The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has flagged more than two dozen eyedrop&nbsp;products saying there was a risk of eye infection which can lead to partial vision loss or even blindness. The alert was issued on Friday (October 27). The USFDA has flagged 26 over-the-counter eye care products. These include eyedrops and gels from companies Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health), Velocity Pharma, Rite Aid and Target up&amp;up.

The FDA has recommended that manufacturers recall all these products. The agency has reportedly found unsanitary conditions in a manufacturing plant. The press release from the FDA says that the bacterial test came back positive. The FDA did not immediately say which company operated the plant.

The agency has said that even though it had not received any reports of infection in connection with these products, it was still encouraging doctors and patients to report any such cases.

It is very important that medical products like eye drops are sterile as drugs applied to the eye bypass some of the body's defence mechanisms.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-extreme-heat-related-heart-casualties-in-us-projected-to-double-by-midcentury-at-current-emission-pace-study-653078">Extreme heat-related heart casualties in US projected to double by midcentury at current emission pace: Study</a>

The FDA has also said that consumers should safely discard these products by handing them over at the drug take-back site or by discarding them at home provided the product was included in the FDA's "flush list" of drugs.

The regulator has mentioned that Rite Aid, Target and CVS were in the process of removing the products from the stores and websites. It said that products with the branding of Rugby, Velocity and Leader may still be available but shouldn't be purchased.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-juvenile-arthritis-affects-more-than-220000-kids-in-us-heres-what-you-must-know-about-the-disease-653155">Juvenile arthritis affects more than 220,000 kids in US; here's what you must know about the disease</a>

The New York Times quoted a Rite Aid spokesperson as saying that the company was removing “applicable Rite Aid branded products” from stores. The news outlet also reported a CVS spokesperson as saying that the company has “immediately stopped the sale in-store and online of all products supplied by Velocity Pharma within the CVS Health Brand Eye Products portfolio.”

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The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has flagged more than two dozen eyedrop products saying there was a risk of eye infection which can lead to partial vision loss or even blindness.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has flagged more than two dozen eyedrop products saying there was a risk of eye infection which can lead to partial vision loss or even blindness. The alert was issued on Friday (October 27). The USFDA has flagged 26 over-the-counter eye care products. These include eyedrops and gels from companies Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health), Velocity Pharma, Rite Aid and Target up&up. The FDA has recommended that manufacturers recall all these products. The agency has reportedly found unsanitary conditions in a manufacturing plant. The press release from the FDA says that the bacterial test came back positive. The FDA did not immediately say which company operated the plant. The agency has said that even though it had not received any reports of infection in connection with these products, it was still encouraging doctors and patients to report any such cases. It is very important that medical products like eye drops are sterile as drugs applied to the eye bypass some of the body's defence mechanisms. Also Read | Extreme heat-related heart casualties in US projected to double by midcentury at current emission pace: Study The FDA has also said that consumers should safely discard these products by handing them over at the drug take-back site or by discarding them at home provided the product was included in the FDA's "flush list" of drugs. The regulator has mentioned that Rite Aid, Target and CVS were in the process of removing the products from the stores and websites. It said that products with the branding of Rugby, Velocity and Leader may still be available but shouldn't be purchased. Also Read | Juvenile arthritis affects more than 220,000 kids in US; here's what you must know about the disease The New York Times quoted a Rite Aid spokesperson as saying that the company was removing “applicable Rite Aid branded products” from stores. The news outlet also reported a CVS spokesperson as saying that the company has “immediately stopped the sale in-store and online of all products supplied by Velocity Pharma within the CVS Health Brand Eye Products portfolio.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

USFDA flags eyedrops from major brands for infection threat

The United States has started bulk buying Japanese&nbsp;seafood&nbsp;to supply its military there in response to China's ban on such products imposed after Tokyo released treated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

Unveiling the initiative in a Reuters interview on Monday, US&nbsp;ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said Washington should also look more broadly into how it could help offset China's ban that he said was part of its "economic wars".

China, which had been the biggest buyer of Japanese&nbsp;seafood, says its ban is due to food safety fears.

The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog vouched for the safety of the water release that began in August from the plant wrecked by a 2011 tsunami. G7 trade ministers on Sunday called for the immediate repeal of bans on Japanese food.

"It's going to be a long-term contract between the US&nbsp;armed forces and the fisheries and co-ops here in Japan," Emanuel said.

"The best way we have proven in all the instances to kind of wear out China's economic coercion is come to the aid and assistance of the targeted country or industry," he said.

Asked about Emanuel's comments at a press conference on Monday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said: "the responsibility of diplomats is to promote friendship between countries rather than smearing other countries and stirring up trouble".

The first purchase of&nbsp;seafood&nbsp;by the US&nbsp;under the scheme involves just shy of a metric ton of scallops, a tiny fraction of more than 100,000 tons of scallops that Japan exported to mainland China last year.

Emanuel said the purchases - which will feed soldiers in messes and aboard vessels as well as being sold in shops and restaurants on military bases - will increase over time to all types of&nbsp;seafood. The US&nbsp;military had not previously bought local&nbsp;seafood&nbsp;in Japan, he said.

The US&nbsp;could also look at its overall fish imports from Japan and China, he said. The US&nbsp;is also in talks with Japanese authorities to help direct locally-caught scallops to US-registered processors.

<h2>'Not a China hawk'</h2>

Emanuel, who was former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama's White House chief of staff, has in recent months made a series of blunt statements on China, taking aim at various issues including its economic policies, opaque decision-making and treatment of foreign firms.

That has come as top US&nbsp;officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have visited Beijing in an effort to draw a line under strained ties.

Asked if he considered himself hawkish on China, Emanuel rejected the term and said he was a "realist".

"I don't consider it hawkish but just consider it realist and honest. Maybe the honesty is painful, but it's honest," he said.

"I'm all for stability, understanding. That doesn't mean you're not honest. They're not contradictory. One of the ways you establish stability, is that you're able to be honest with each other."

He said China faced major economic challenges exacerbated by a leadership intent on turning their backs on international systems.

"The kind of loser in this is the youth of China. You now have a situation where 30% of the Chinese youth, one out of three, are unemployed. You have major cities with unfinished housing ... you have major municipalities not able to pay city workers. Why? Because China made a political decision to turn their back on a system in which they were benefiting."

The most recent official youth unemployment data from China, published in July before Beijing said it was suspending publication of the numbers, showed it jumping to a record high of 21.3%.

Emanuel said he was also keeping an eye on how China's leadership responds to the recent death of former Premier Li Keqiang, a reformist who was sidelined by President Xi Jinping.

"What's ... interesting to me, that I think is telltale, is how they will be treating his funeral and how they'll be treating comments about him," he said.

"I do think that there's kind of a section of China that sees what kind of policies he was pursuing as kind of the best of China. But that's up for China to decide."

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The United States has started bulk buying Japanese seafood to supply its military there in response to China's ban on such products imposed after Tokyo released treated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

The United States has started bulk buying Japanese seafood to supply its military there in response to China's ban on such products imposed after Tokyo released treated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. Unveiling the initiative in a Reuters interview on Monday, US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said Washington should also look more broadly into how it could help offset China's ban that he said was part of its "economic wars". China, which had been the biggest buyer of Japanese seafood, says its ban is due to food safety fears. The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog vouched for the safety of the water release that began in August from the plant wrecked by a 2011 tsunami. G7 trade ministers on Sunday called for the immediate repeal of bans on Japanese food. "It's going to be a long-term contract between the US armed forces and the fisheries and co-ops here in Japan," Emanuel said. "The best way we have proven in all the instances to kind of wear out China's economic coercion is come to the aid and assistance of the targeted country or industry," he said. Asked about Emanuel's comments at a press conference on Monday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said: "the responsibility of diplomats is to promote friendship between countries rather than smearing other countries and stirring up trouble". The first purchase of seafood by the US under the scheme involves just shy of a metric ton of scallops, a tiny fraction of more than 100,000 tons of scallops that Japan exported to mainland China last year. Emanuel said the purchases - which will feed soldiers in messes and aboard vessels as well as being sold in shops and restaurants on military bases - will increase over time to all types of seafood. The US military had not previously bought local seafood in Japan, he said. The US could also look at its overall fish imports from Japan and China, he said. The US is also in talks with Japanese authorities to help direct locally-caught scallops to US-registered processors. 'Not a China hawk' Emanuel, who was former US President Barack Obama's White House chief of staff, has in recent months made a series of blunt statements on China, taking aim at various issues including its economic policies, opaque decision-making and treatment of foreign firms. That has come as top US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have visited Beijing in an effort to draw a line under strained ties. Asked if he considered himself hawkish on China, Emanuel rejected the term and said he was a "realist". "I don't consider it hawkish but just consider it realist and honest. Maybe the honesty is painful, but it's honest," he said. "I'm all for stability, understanding. That doesn't mean you're not honest. They're not contradictory. One of the ways you establish stability, is that you're able to be honest with each other." He said China faced major economic challenges exacerbated by a leadership intent on turning their backs on international systems. "The kind of loser in this is the youth of China. You now have a situation where 30% of the Chinese youth, one out of three, are unemployed. You have major cities with unfinished housing ... you have major municipalities not able to pay city workers. Why? Because China made a political decision to turn their back on a system in which they were benefiting." The most recent official youth unemployment data from China, published in July before Beijing said it was suspending publication of the numbers, showed it jumping to a record high of 21.3%. Emanuel said he was also keeping an eye on how China's leadership responds to the recent death of former Premier Li Keqiang, a reformist who was sidelined by President Xi Jinping. "What's ... interesting to me, that I think is telltale, is how they will be treating his funeral and how they'll be treating comments about him," he said. "I do think that there's kind of a section of China that sees what kind of policies he was pursuing as kind of the best of China. But that's up for China to decide." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US military bulk-buys Japanese seafood to counter China ban over Fukushima n-reactor water release

The latest in a spate of mass shootings in the United States, that claimed the lives of 18 and wounded 13 others in the state of Maine earlier this week, has put a spotlight on America's enduring gun problem.&nbsp;

The main suspect Robert R. Card, a US Army reservist, opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar in the city of Lewiston on Wednesday (Oct 25).

After an extensive manhunt of about two days, the 40-year-old assailant was found dead inside a cargo trailer parked on the lot of a recycling plant where he once used to work, the police said on Saturday.

Card reportedly took his own life and suffered from serious mental health issues.&nbsp;

Maine public safety commissioner Mike Sauschuck during a press briefing said that the shooter had been hearing voices and was suffering from paranoia.

"Clearly, there's a mental health component to this," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Sauschuck further revealed that investigators found a note that Card left to a loved one which had a password to his phone and bank account information. It had the tone of a suicide letter, he added.

<h2>Card tried to buy silencer for rifle months before shooting</h2>

Card had tried to buy a silencer for a rifle at a local firearms store months before the most lethal act of firearms violence in the state's history, ABC News reported citing the shop owner.

“He came in and filled out the form, he checked off a box that incriminated himself saying that he was in an institution,” Rick LaChapelle, owner of Coastal Defense Firearms, said. “Our staff was fantastic, let him finish filling out the form, and said, ‘I'm sorry, Mr Card, we cannot give you this… at this point in time, we cannot release this silencer to you because of the answers that you've given us'.”

LaChapelle added, "We did what we were supposed to do and hopefully saved a lot of lives by&nbsp;just following the proper procedures.”

He further said that if Card had succeeded in purchasing the silencer, the rampage would have gotten uglier because people at the bar and the bowling alley, would not have heard the firing.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-robert-card-the-person-of-interest-in-maine-mass-shootings-651418">Who is Robert Card? The 'person of interest' in Maine mass shootings</a>

“He could have spent more time in each location,” LaChapelle was quoted as saying by ABC News. “And it could have been more methodical, and my heart goes out to the people, the victims. This is just absolutely horrible, horrible. I'm frustrated that, I think, some of this could have been averted,” he further added.

The Maine shooting was one of the several hundred episodes of lethal gun violence that the United States witnessed this year.&nbsp;

<h2>Gun violence, so far, killed at least 35,275 people in US</h2>

In 2023, gun violence sprung up as clearly one of the most prevalent issues in the United States, with more than 565 incidents of mass shootings as of Oct 26, as per the Gun Violence Archive.

According to the data, the lethal episodes of firearms violence in the US have so far killed at least 35,275 people with nearly 1,157 victims in their teens and 246 being children.

The Gun Violence Archive estimated approximately 645 mass shooting incidents in 2022 and 690 in 2021.

At this time in 2022, the US had witnessed 559 mass shootings.

<h2>US holds approximately 40% of the world’s guns</h2>

According to an estimate by the Small Arms Survey, there are more than a billion guns in the world with a notable majority of them being possessed by civilians.

The research estimated that out of the 857 million civilian-held firearms estimated in 2017, 393 million were in the United States. This figure was more than those held by civilians in the other top 25 countries combined.&nbsp;

The study showed that the US outnumbered other countries by holding more than 40% of the world's guns.

"With acquisition averaging around 14 million guns annually during the last five years, growth of civilian holdings in the United States contributes disproportionately to the increase of the global firearms stockpile," said author and Small Arms Survey senior consultant Aaron Karp, 
who is also a senior lecturer at Old Dominion University.&nbsp;

Here's a look at some of the fatal shooting incidents that unfolded in the US in the last few months.

Romeoville, Illinois

In mid-September, a couple, along with their two kids and three dogs was killed after being shot at in their Chicago home. Later a man in his early 30s was suspected in the deaths.

Lake Township, Ohio

Five members of a family succumbed to gunshot wounds in Lake Township, Ohio on Aug 24. Reportedly, the deaths were linked to a family dispute that turned ugly.

Oklahoma City

A 28-year-old assailant killed three young children, aged 9, 5 and 2 respectively, and his estranged wife before killing himself on Aug 16.

Hampton Georgia

A 40-year-old allegedly claimed the lives of four people in a suburb south of Atlanta on July 15. The deceased victims were in their 60s.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The latest in a spate of mass shootings in the United States, that claimed the lives of 18 and wounded 13 others in the state of Maine earlier this week, has put a spotlight on America's enduring gun problem.

The latest in a spate of mass shootings in the United States, that claimed the lives of 18 and wounded 13 others in the state of Maine earlier this week, has put a spotlight on America's enduring gun problem. The main suspect Robert R. Card, a US Army reservist, opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar in the city of Lewiston on Wednesday (Oct 25). After an extensive manhunt of about two days, the 40-year-old assailant was found dead inside a cargo trailer parked on the lot of a recycling plant where he once used to work, the police said on Saturday. Card reportedly took his own life and suffered from serious mental health issues. Maine public safety commissioner Mike Sauschuck during a press briefing said that the shooter had been hearing voices and was suffering from paranoia. "Clearly, there's a mental health component to this," he told reporters. Sauschuck further revealed that investigators found a note that Card left to a loved one which had a password to his phone and bank account information. It had the tone of a suicide letter, he added. Card tried to buy silencer for rifle months before shooting Card had tried to buy a silencer for a rifle at a local firearms store months before the most lethal act of firearms violence in the state's history, ABC News reported citing the shop owner. “He came in and filled out the form, he checked off a box that incriminated himself saying that he was in an institution,” Rick LaChapelle, owner of Coastal Defense Firearms, said. “Our staff was fantastic, let him finish filling out the form, and said, ‘I'm sorry, Mr Card, we cannot give you this… at this point in time, we cannot release this silencer to you because of the answers that you've given us'.” LaChapelle added, "We did what we were supposed to do and hopefully saved a lot of lives by just following the proper procedures.” He further said that if Card had succeeded in purchasing the silencer, the rampage would have gotten uglier because people at the bar and the bowling alley, would not have heard the firing. Also read: Who is Robert Card? The 'person of interest' in Maine mass shootings “He could have spent more time in each location,” LaChapelle was quoted as saying by ABC News. “And it could have been more methodical, and my heart goes out to the people, the victims. This is just absolutely horrible, horrible. I'm frustrated that, I think, some of this could have been averted,” he further added. The Maine shooting was one of the several hundred episodes of lethal gun violence that the United States witnessed this year. Gun violence, so far, killed at least 35,275 people in US In 2023, gun violence sprung up as clearly one of the most prevalent issues in the United States, with more than 565 incidents of mass shootings as of Oct 26, as per the Gun Violence Archive. According to the data, the lethal episodes of firearms violence in the US have so far killed at least 35,275 people with nearly 1,157 victims in their teens and 246 being children. The Gun Violence Archive estimated approximately 645 mass shooting incidents in 2022 and 690 in 2021. At this time in 2022, the US had witnessed 559 mass shootings. US holds approximately 40% of the world’s guns According to an estimate by the Small Arms Survey, there are more than a billion guns in the world with a notable majority of them being possessed by civilians. The research estimated that out of the 857 million civilian-held firearms estimated in 2017, 393 million were in the United States. This figure was more than those held by civilians in the other top 25 countries combined. The study showed that the US outnumbered other countries by holding more than 40% of the world's guns. "With acquisition averaging around 14 million guns annually during the last five years, growth of civilian holdings in the United States contributes disproportionately to the increase of the global firearms stockpile," said author and Small Arms Survey senior consultant Aaron Karp, who is also a senior lecturer at Old Dominion University. Here's a look at some of the fatal shooting incidents that unfolded in the US in the last few months. Romeoville, Illinois In mid-September, a couple, along with their two kids and three dogs was killed after being shot at in their Chicago home. Later a man in his early 30s was suspected in the deaths. Lake Township, Ohio Five members of a family succumbed to gunshot wounds in Lake Township, Ohio on Aug 24. Reportedly, the deaths were linked to a family dispute that turned ugly. Oklahoma City A 28-year-old assailant killed three young children, aged 9, 5 and 2 respectively, and his estranged wife before killing himself on Aug 16. Hampton Georgia A 40-year-old allegedly claimed the lives of four people in a suburb south of Atlanta on July 15. The deceased victims were in their 60s. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | America and its enduring gun violence issue

The United States has announced that the issuance of export licenses for civilian firearms and ammunition has been stopped for all non-governmental users for a period of 90 days. 
 
The announcement was made by the commerce department, citing foreign policy interests and national security. 
 
The commerce department failed to give any further details related to the halt, which also included optical sights and shotguns, but stated that an urgent review will assess the “risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities”. 
 
The commerce department refused to make any comment on the issue beyond the details shared on the website, The Guardian reported.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-chases-teenage-thief-reaches-airbnb-house-with-guns-stashed-in-walls-653053">US: Police chases teenage thief, reaches Airbnb house with guns stashed in walls</a>

Most of the guns and ammunition which can be bought in a US gun store were covered in the halt, stated Johanna Reeves, who is a lawyer and specialises in firearms and export controls with the law firm Reeves &amp; Dola in Washington DC. 
 
Reeves stated that the commerce department never took such a sweeping action similar to this one before, according to what she remembers. “For sure they have individual country policies – but nothing like this,” she said while speaking to The Guardian. 
 
The department has exempted export licenses for Israel and Ukraine, along with some other close allies, from the temporary halt in exports.

<h2>No effect on previously issued license</h2>

US companies which have been selling firearms include Sturm Ruger &amp; Co (RGR.N), Smith &amp; Wesson Brands (SWBI.O) and Vista Outdoor (VSTO.N). These companies are likely to be impacted by the export ban.

Watch |&nbsp;US cardholders paid $130 bn in interest &amp; fees in 2022: Report

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The overseas customers include stores and distributors which sell firearms. However, the exporters can continue submitting license requests during the halt, but they will be “held without action” till the authorities lift the pause. 
 
The commerce department said that the pause will not have any effect on previously issued export licenses. The exporters for the shipments meant for government clients need to name specific end users, meanwhile, applications with police, military and unnamed government users will be “returned without action”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States has announced that the issuance of export licenses for civilian firearms and ammunition has been stopped for all non-governmental users for a period of 90 days.

The United States has announced that the issuance of export licenses for civilian firearms and ammunition has been stopped for all non-governmental users for a period of 90 days. The announcement was made by the commerce department, citing foreign policy interests and national security. The commerce department failed to give any further details related to the halt, which also included optical sights and shotguns, but stated that an urgent review will assess the “risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities”. The commerce department refused to make any comment on the issue beyond the details shared on the website, The Guardian reported. ALSO READ | US: Police chases teenage thief, reaches Airbnb house with guns stashed in walls Most of the guns and ammunition which can be bought in a US gun store were covered in the halt, stated Johanna Reeves, who is a lawyer and specialises in firearms and export controls with the law firm Reeves & Dola in Washington DC. Reeves stated that the commerce department never took such a sweeping action similar to this one before, according to what she remembers. “For sure they have individual country policies – but nothing like this,” she said while speaking to The Guardian. The department has exempted export licenses for Israel and Ukraine, along with some other close allies, from the temporary halt in exports. No effect on previously issued license US companies which have been selling firearms include Sturm Ruger & Co (RGR.N), Smith & Wesson Brands (SWBI.O) and Vista Outdoor (VSTO.N). These companies are likely to be impacted by the export ban. Watch | US cardholders paid $130 bn in interest & fees in 2022: Report The overseas customers include stores and distributors which sell firearms. However, the exporters can continue submitting license requests during the halt, but they will be “held without action” till the authorities lift the pause. The commerce department said that the pause will not have any effect on previously issued export licenses. The exporters for the shipments meant for government clients need to name specific end users, meanwhile, applications with police, military and unnamed government users will be “returned without action”. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US stops issuance of export licenses for civilian firearms, ammunition for 90 days

Gun violence has gripped the United States once again. Two people are dead and 18 injured after fighting between two groups turned into a deadly shooting in the area.

Multiple shootings in US kills 8 more people

Police found 11 guns, which included automatic weapons – stashed in board game boxes, walls and food wrappers after catching hold of an alleged 17-year-old credit card thief in between a boozy birthday bash which was being held at an “Airbnb turned Machinegunbnb”, said police. 
 
The police were searching for the suspect after the stealing of credit cards was reported by a resident of Shoreview, Minnesota which led them to the Airbnb property. After reaching the house, the police were left “shocked” by the number of guns they discovered, the New York Post reported. 
 
The police are carrying out an investigation to find who is responsible for stashing so many guns in the house. The investigation started on Friday (Oct 27) after the police were informed by a man that he saw someone stealing his wallet by getting into his work truck, reported the Pioneer Press.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-amid-fears-of-escalation-united-states-intensifies-deployment-of-forces-around-israel-651727">Explained | Amid fears of escalation, United States intensifies deployment of forces around Israel</a>

The man said to the police that he had got notifications of charges to his stolen credit cards after around an hour. He added that $577 was withdrawn from his bank card and additional transactions amounting to $275 were attempted from other cards in the wallet. 
 
In a Facebook post, Ramsey County Undersheriff Mike Martin’s office said that the target purchase led them to the suspect. The suspect was pictured by Auto Theft Team and members of the sheriff’s office Carjacking. 
 
The police tracked him to a “booze-filled” party at an Airbnb on 108th Avenue in the Maple Grove area and the owner was contacted, reported the Pioneer Press.

<h2>Tenant broke rules against weapons and smoking</h2>

After the owner was apprised of the situation by him, the police were asked by him to shut down the festivities and they were informed that the 10-person limit of the rental agreement had been exceeded. The police were also informed that the tenants had also broken the rules against smoking and weapons. 
 
The party attendees had also “been posting pictures on social media and smoking,” stated Martin. Nearly 50 attendees, who were between the ages of 15 and 21, were asked to leave the residence, however, the tenant was missing from the party, said the police. It remained unclear if the person was a credit card thief.

WATCH |&nbsp;US cardholders paid $130 bn in interest &amp; fees in 2022: Report

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After the party attendees left, the police nabbed their suspected credit card thief and started searching the house. The police then found a trove of weapons which was called by Martin an “Airbnb turned Machinegunbnb.” 
 
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher stated that the number of guns seized by them was astounding, deputies “always expect a couple, but we were shocked by the number.” 
 
“This is especially concerning because several of the party attendees are part of a ‘group’ that has enemies – or as they call them, ‘opps,'” Martin said in the post.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Police found 11 guns, which included automatic weapons – stashed in board game boxes, walls and food wrappers after catching hold of an alleged 17-year-old credit card thief in between a boozy birthday bash which was being held at an “Airbnb turned Machinegunbnb”, said police.

Police found 11 guns, which included automatic weapons – stashed in board game boxes, walls and food wrappers after catching hold of an alleged 17-year-old credit card thief in between a boozy birthday bash which was being held at an “Airbnb turned Machinegunbnb”, said police. The police were searching for the suspect after the stealing of credit cards was reported by a resident of Shoreview, Minnesota which led them to the Airbnb property. After reaching the house, the police were left “shocked” by the number of guns they discovered, the New York Post reported. The police are carrying out an investigation to find who is responsible for stashing so many guns in the house. The investigation started on Friday (Oct 27) after the police were informed by a man that he saw someone stealing his wallet by getting into his work truck, reported the Pioneer Press. ALSO READ | Explained | Amid fears of escalation, United States intensifies deployment of forces around Israel The man said to the police that he had got notifications of charges to his stolen credit cards after around an hour. He added that $577 was withdrawn from his bank card and additional transactions amounting to $275 were attempted from other cards in the wallet. In a Facebook post, Ramsey County Undersheriff Mike Martin’s office said that the target purchase led them to the suspect. The suspect was pictured by Auto Theft Team and members of the sheriff’s office Carjacking. The police tracked him to a “booze-filled” party at an Airbnb on 108th Avenue in the Maple Grove area and the owner was contacted, reported the Pioneer Press. Tenant broke rules against weapons and smoking After the owner was apprised of the situation by him, the police were asked by him to shut down the festivities and they were informed that the 10-person limit of the rental agreement had been exceeded. The police were also informed that the tenants had also broken the rules against smoking and weapons. The party attendees had also “been posting pictures on social media and smoking,” stated Martin. Nearly 50 attendees, who were between the ages of 15 and 21, were asked to leave the residence, however, the tenant was missing from the party, said the police. It remained unclear if the person was a credit card thief. WATCH | US cardholders paid $130 bn in interest & fees in 2022: Report After the party attendees left, the police nabbed their suspected credit card thief and started searching the house. The police then found a trove of weapons which was called by Martin an “Airbnb turned Machinegunbnb.” Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher stated that the number of guns seized by them was astounding, deputies “always expect a couple, but we were shocked by the number.” “This is especially concerning because several of the party attendees are part of a ‘group’ that has enemies – or as they call them, ‘opps,'” Martin said in the post. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Police chases teenage thief, reaches Airbnb house with guns stashed in walls

The United States and South Korea began major air exercises on Monday, involving 130 warplanes from both countries to simulate 24-hour wartime operations.

The annual drills, called Vigilant Defence, will run until Friday, featuring variants of the F-35 stealth fighter from both the United States and South Korea, among other aircraft, South Korea's Air Force said.

The drills are aimed at improving interoperability between the two militaries by performing major air missions such as air-to-surface live fire drills, defensive counter air operation and other emergency training.

"We will maintain the best combat readiness to immediately respond to and strongly punish any provocation by the enemy through an intense training simulating an actual situation," South Korea's military said in a statement.

The drills come as North Korea has been stepping up military cooperation with Russia in what the United States and its Asian allies have condemned as Pyongyang's efforts to advance its military capabilities in return for arms support to Moscow.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said on Saturday it was the "steadfast will" of Pyongyang to expand ties with Russia, adding that their relations will act as a "powerful strategic" element if security in the region is endangered.

North Korea has long condemned joint drills between the United States and South Korea as a rehearsal for invasion and proof of hostile policies by Washington and Seoul.

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The United States and South Korea began major air exercises on Monday, involving 130 warplanes from both countries to simulate 24-hour wartime operations. The annual drills, called Vigilant Defence, will run until Friday, featuring variants of the F-35 stealth fighter from both the United States and South Korea, among other aircraft, South Korea's Air Force said.

The United States and South Korea began major air exercises on Monday, involving 130 warplanes from both countries to simulate 24-hour wartime operations. The annual drills, called Vigilant Defence, will run until Friday, featuring variants of the F-35 stealth fighter from both the United States and South Korea, among other aircraft, South Korea's Air Force said. The drills are aimed at improving interoperability between the two militaries by performing major air missions such as air-to-surface live fire drills, defensive counter air operation and other emergency training. "We will maintain the best combat readiness to immediately respond to and strongly punish any provocation by the enemy through an intense training simulating an actual situation," South Korea's military said in a statement. The drills come as North Korea has been stepping up military cooperation with Russia in what the United States and its Asian allies have condemned as Pyongyang's efforts to advance its military capabilities in return for arms support to Moscow. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said on Saturday it was the "steadfast will" of Pyongyang to expand ties with Russia, adding that their relations will act as a "powerful strategic" element if security in the region is endangered. North Korea has long condemned joint drills between the United States and South Korea as a rehearsal for invasion and proof of hostile policies by Washington and Seoul. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US, South Korean warplanes kick start joint air drills

Three months after 105 antiquities, which were earlier smuggled, came back to India, the United States is sending another batch of 1,414 objects back to the country, which will include antiquities from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met). 
 
As per the official sources, these objects have already been given to the Consulate General of India in New York. According to the procedure, a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been the custodian of all Indian antiquities, will be sent to the United States to carry out the verification of the objects after which the officials will initiate the repatriation, as reported by The Indian Express.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-fails-to-provide-copy-of-court-ruling-to-india-regarding-eight-indians-652263">Qatar fails to provide copy of court ruling on former eight Indian Navy officers to India</a>

The objects will also be authenticated by the ASI as “antiquities” or “non-antiquities”. Although the ASI has not revealed any specific details regarding their age or region, the US authorities stated that 1,414 objects from various sources appeared to be of “Indian provenance”. 
 
A senior official stated that the batch includes a few antiquities which will be from Met. In an earlier report, it was revealed that a treasure trove which belonged to the Met could be traced back to antique dealer Subhash Kapoor, who was imprisoned on charges of smuggling antiquities.

<h2>Met&nbsp;announces return of 15 sculptures in India</h2>

After the revelation, a search warrant was issued by the Supreme Court of the State of New York against the Met on March 22, which gave 10 days to the authorities to seize the antiquities. 
 
On March 30, a statement was issued by the Met in which it claimed that it would “transfer 15 sculptures for return to the Government of India, after having learned that the works were illegally removed from India”. 
 
The government of India in July said that the Met's objects were likely to reach the country in the next three to six months. On July 17, the Indian Consulate in New York was given 105 antiquities by the US authorities, which will be repatriated to India in August this year. However, the objects of Met were not among them.

Watch |&nbsp;Indian troops in Maldives asked to leave by President-elect&nbsp;

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ASI officials stated that the new batch of 1,414 objects will most probably have non-antiquities, and they will be accordingly ranked while following the definition of “antiquity”. 
 
In the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, an antiquity has been defined as “any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of art or craftsmanship; any article, object or thing detached from a building or cave; any article, object or thing illustrative of science, art, crafts, literature, religion, customs, morals or politics in bygone ages; any article, object or thing of historical interest” that “has been in existence for not less than 100 years”.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
 
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&nbsp;

Three months after 105 antiquities, which were earlier smuggled, came back to India, the United States is sending another batch of 1,414 objects back to the country, which will include antiquities from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met).

Three months after 105 antiquities, which were earlier smuggled, came back to India, the United States is sending another batch of 1,414 objects back to the country, which will include antiquities from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met). As per the official sources, these objects have already been given to the Consulate General of India in New York. According to the procedure, a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been the custodian of all Indian antiquities, will be sent to the United States to carry out the verification of the objects after which the officials will initiate the repatriation, as reported by The Indian Express. ALSO READ | Qatar fails to provide copy of court ruling on former eight Indian Navy officers to India The objects will also be authenticated by the ASI as “antiquities” or “non-antiquities”. Although the ASI has not revealed any specific details regarding their age or region, the US authorities stated that 1,414 objects from various sources appeared to be of “Indian provenance”. A senior official stated that the batch includes a few antiquities which will be from Met. In an earlier report, it was revealed that a treasure trove which belonged to the Met could be traced back to antique dealer Subhash Kapoor, who was imprisoned on charges of smuggling antiquities. Met announces return of 15 sculptures in India After the revelation, a search warrant was issued by the Supreme Court of the State of New York against the Met on March 22, which gave 10 days to the authorities to seize the antiquities. On March 30, a statement was issued by the Met in which it claimed that it would “transfer 15 sculptures for return to the Government of India, after having learned that the works were illegally removed from India”. The government of India in July said that the Met's objects were likely to reach the country in the next three to six months. On July 17, the Indian Consulate in New York was given 105 antiquities by the US authorities, which will be repatriated to India in August this year. However, the objects of Met were not among them. Watch | Indian troops in Maldives asked to leave by President-elect ASI officials stated that the new batch of 1,414 objects will most probably have non-antiquities, and they will be accordingly ranked while following the definition of “antiquity”. In the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, an antiquity has been defined as “any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of art or craftsmanship; any article, object or thing detached from a building or cave; any article, object or thing illustrative of science, art, crafts, literature, religion, customs, morals or politics in bygone ages; any article, object or thing of historical interest” that “has been in existence for not less than 100 years”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Met Museum to return antiquities to India as part of 1,414 objects to be sent by US

Former US Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday (Oct 26) announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race saying, "This is not my time."

While speaking at the annual meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas, Pence said, "I was raised to believe that to whom much is given, much will be required, and with everything our country is facing I just couldn't sit this one out. But the Bible tells us that there's a time for every purpose under heaven. And travelling across the country over the past six months, I came here to say it's become clear to me, this is not my time."

"So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today. Now I'm leaving this campaign, but let me promise you, I will never leave the fight for conservative values, and I will never stop fighting to elect principled Republican leaders to every office in the land," he added,

Pence publicly split with former President Trump, criticising him for his role in the Jan 6, 2021, insurgence at the US Capitol.

The 64-year-old politician speculated that Republican primary voters would choose him for sticking to the US Constitution instead of following his former boss, Trump's orders, and playing along when asked to overturn the results of the 2020 elections.

His surprise withdrawal from the presidential race marks a pivotal moment in the campaign, spotlighting the tribulation for even Trump's loyal lieutenant in overpowering his former boss in the race to see who challenges Democratic President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

<h2>Rift between Trump and Pence</h2>

Trump chose Pence as his running mate for the 2016 elections. This was widely perceived as his move to solidify his support among conservative voters at that time. Pence remained by Trump's side throughout the many scandals during his tenure.&nbsp;

The loyalty, however, was not repaid as Trump targeted Pence in the run-up to the US Capitol riots (January 6, 2021). Trump wanted Pence to agree with his unproven stance that there was voter fraud in the election that he lost. This is seen as the breaking point in their relationship.

"Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution," Trump wrote on Twitter on the afternoon of Jan. 6, while rioters were calling for Pence to be hanged.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Former US Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday (Oct 26) announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race saying, "This is not my time." While speaking at the annual meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas, Pence said, "I was raised to believe that to whom much is given, much will be required, and with everything our country is facing I just couldn't sit this one out.

Former US Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday (Oct 26) announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race saying, "This is not my time." While speaking at the annual meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas, Pence said, "I was raised to believe that to whom much is given, much will be required, and with everything our country is facing I just couldn't sit this one out. But the Bible tells us that there's a time for every purpose under heaven. And travelling across the country over the past six months, I came here to say it's become clear to me, this is not my time." "So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today. Now I'm leaving this campaign, but let me promise you, I will never leave the fight for conservative values, and I will never stop fighting to elect principled Republican leaders to every office in the land," he added, Pence publicly split with former President Trump, criticising him for his role in the Jan 6, 2021, insurgence at the US Capitol. The 64-year-old politician speculated that Republican primary voters would choose him for sticking to the US Constitution instead of following his former boss, Trump's orders, and playing along when asked to overturn the results of the 2020 elections. His surprise withdrawal from the presidential race marks a pivotal moment in the campaign, spotlighting the tribulation for even Trump's loyal lieutenant in overpowering his former boss in the race to see who challenges Democratic President Joe Biden. Rift between Trump and Pence Trump chose Pence as his running mate for the 2016 elections. This was widely perceived as his move to solidify his support among conservative voters at that time. Pence remained by Trump's side throughout the many scandals during his tenure. The loyalty, however, was not repaid as Trump targeted Pence in the run-up to the US Capitol riots (January 6, 2021). Trump wanted Pence to agree with his unproven stance that there was voter fraud in the election that he lost. This is seen as the breaking point in their relationship. "Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution," Trump wrote on Twitter on the afternoon of Jan. 6, while rioters were calling for Pence to be hanged. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'This is not my time', former vice president Mike Pence withdraws from US presidential race

Former US vice president Mike Pence drops his nomination for the Republican Presidential nomination ending his campaign for the White House.

Mike Pence announces withdrawal from US presidential race

The United States was strongly warned by Saudi officials that the ground invasion by the Israeli army into the Gaza Strip could turn catastrophic for West Asia. 
 
Member of the Armed Services Committee and Democrat of Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal was among one of the 10 senators, who held talks with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last weekend in Riyadh. 
 
“The Saudi leadership was hopeful that a ground operation could be avoided for reasons of stability as well as the loss of life,” said Blumenthal, while speaking to The New York Times on Thursday (Oct 26). The government officials of Saudi Arabia that it would be “extremely harmful”, he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-descending-upon-gun-stores-in-large-numbers-after-oct-7-attack-652257">Israelis descending upon gun stores in large numbers after Oct 7 attack</a>

In various conversations with their American counterparts, senior Saudi officials have multiple times hinted at how a ground invasion can turn into a disaster for the whole region, as per one Saudi official, The New York Times reported. 
 
The exchanges took place as tensions continued to escalate in the Gaza Strip. An official of the Biden administration said that it has become evident that Saudi Arabia is against an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza.

<h2>US asserts Israel's right to self-defence</h2>

Repeatedly, the United States has asserted the right to self-defence of Israel since the Hamas attack in which more than 1,400 people were killed in Israel. 
 
“Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back,” United States President Joe Biden had stated recently. During the same time, Biden had appealed to Israel to delay the invasion of the Gaza Strip. 
 
The US officials had clarified that the request was made due to multiple reasons which included getting more humanitarian aid inside Gaza, taking more time to reach negotiations for release of hostages and doing better war planning.

Watch |&nbsp;20 days of Israel-Hamas war: Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza | WION Pulse

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In the call held between Prince Mohammed and, Biden the leaders “agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding,” said the White House, in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 24). 
 
Prince Mohammed and President Biden, after sharing strained relations, have been able to find common ground earlier this year and have trying to finalise a deal, as per which Israel will be recognised by Saudi Arabi and diplomatic ties will be established between the two. 
 
Biden and his top aides have been eager to finalise an agreement, stating that it will reshape West Asia.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States was strongly warned by Saudi officials that the ground invasion by the Israeli army into the Gaza Strip could turn catastrophic for West Asia. Member of the Armed Services Committee and Democrat of Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal was among one of the 10 senators, who held talks with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last weekend in Riyadh.

The United States was strongly warned by Saudi officials that the ground invasion by the Israeli army into the Gaza Strip could turn catastrophic for West Asia. Member of the Armed Services Committee and Democrat of Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal was among one of the 10 senators, who held talks with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last weekend in Riyadh. “The Saudi leadership was hopeful that a ground operation could be avoided for reasons of stability as well as the loss of life,” said Blumenthal, while speaking to The New York Times on Thursday (Oct 26). The government officials of Saudi Arabia that it would be “extremely harmful”, he said. ALSO READ | Israelis descending upon gun stores in large numbers after Oct 7 attack In various conversations with their American counterparts, senior Saudi officials have multiple times hinted at how a ground invasion can turn into a disaster for the whole region, as per one Saudi official, The New York Times reported. The exchanges took place as tensions continued to escalate in the Gaza Strip. An official of the Biden administration said that it has become evident that Saudi Arabia is against an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. US asserts Israel's right to self-defence Repeatedly, the United States has asserted the right to self-defence of Israel since the Hamas attack in which more than 1,400 people were killed in Israel. “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back,” United States President Joe Biden had stated recently. During the same time, Biden had appealed to Israel to delay the invasion of the Gaza Strip. The US officials had clarified that the request was made due to multiple reasons which included getting more humanitarian aid inside Gaza, taking more time to reach negotiations for release of hostages and doing better war planning. Watch | 20 days of Israel-Hamas war: Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza | WION Pulse In the call held between Prince Mohammed and, Biden the leaders “agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding,” said the White House, in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 24). Prince Mohammed and President Biden, after sharing strained relations, have been able to find common ground earlier this year and have trying to finalise a deal, as per which Israel will be recognised by Saudi Arabi and diplomatic ties will be established between the two. Biden and his top aides have been eager to finalise an agreement, stating that it will reshape West Asia. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel's ground invasion of Gaza can turn catastrophic, Saudi Arabia warns US

Police in the US state of Maine said on Thursday (Oct 26) that they were on the lookout for the assailant who opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar in the city of Lewiston, claiming the lives of 18 people and wounding 13 others.

An intense manhunt is spread across southern Maine for the main suspect Robert R. Card, a US Army reservist who as per law enforcement had been committed to a mental health facility over this summer.&nbsp;

Police circulated pictures from one of the crime scenes, where the suspect, a bearded man donning a brown hooded sweatshirt and jeans, can be seen armed with what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle.

Public school districts in the area canceled classes on Thursday and police urged residents to stay indoors.

"A large law enforcement response from multiple surrounding agencies assisted the Lewiston police department in trying to identify who this individual was and what was happening. As you can imagine, this was a very fast-paced, fast-moving, very fluid scene. A very dangerous scene that these guys and girls were going into.18 people are now deceased at this time", said Colonel William Ross.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-robert-card-the-person-of-interest-in-maine-mass-shootings-651418">Who is Robert Card? The 'person of interest' in Maine mass shootings</a>

"The investigation into the person responsible for this identified a vehicle located at the Pejepscot boat landing in Lisbon. That person through the registration of that vehicle was identified, that’s been stated earlier, as a Robert Card born in 1983. Several of the deceased have been identified and their families' next of kin have been notified. Approximately eight people at this point have been identified. 10 people, 10 of these victims still need to be identified at this time. Currently, there is an arrest warrant for 8 counts of murder for Mr. Card. The reason it's 8 counts is because 10 people have not yet been identified. As those people are identified the counts will probably go to the total of 18," Ross added.

<h2>'Dark day for Maine'</h2>

Governor Janet Mills, while addressing a press briefing, said that it was a dark day for Maine and that Card is considered armed and dangerous.

"This is a dark day for Maine, Card is considered armed and dangerous and police advise that Maine people should not approach him under any circumstances."&nbsp;

She further said that the police have issued a Shelter-in-Place order for Lewiston, Lisbon and Bowdoin as the assailant is still at large.

"Maine State Police have issued a Shelter in Place order for Lewiston, Lisbon and Bowdoin, as the manhunt for that person of interest, Robert Card of Bowdoin continues. I will let law enforcement speak to the ongoing manhunt and to their investigation," Mills said.

“I ask Maine people to join me in offering our comfort to the families and friends who have lost someone, and in offering our prayers for swift recovery for those who are healing in Maine’s hospitals today. I know it's hard for us to think about healing when our hearts are broken. But I want every person in Maine to know that we will heal together," she added.

<h2>White House and Capitol flags fly at half-staff</h2>

Flags at the White House and Capitol building flew at half-staff after US President Biden said in an official proclamation that the move was a "mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence" in Lewiston.

Biden condemning the incident, said that called on rival Republicans to back a ban on high-powered weapons.&nbsp;

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Once again, our nation mourns after another senseless and tragic mass shooting. 
 
Today, Jill and I pray for the Americans in Maine who’ve lost their lives, those in critical care, and the families, survivors, and community members enduring shock and grief. 
 
Here's my statement: <a href="https://t.co/7geRYwQ94k">pic.twitter.com/7geRYwQ94k</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1717577125236969745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Today, in the wake of yet another tragedy, I urge Republican lawmakers in Congress to fulfil their duty to protect the American people. Work with us to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines," the Democratic president said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Police in the US state of Maine said on Thursday (Oct 26) that they were on the lookout for the assailant who opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar in the city of Lewiston, claiming the lives of 18 people and wounding 13 others.

Police in the US state of Maine said on Thursday (Oct 26) that they were on the lookout for the assailant who opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar in the city of Lewiston, claiming the lives of 18 people and wounding 13 others. An intense manhunt is spread across southern Maine for the main suspect Robert R. Card, a US Army reservist who as per law enforcement had been committed to a mental health facility over this summer. Police circulated pictures from one of the crime scenes, where the suspect, a bearded man donning a brown hooded sweatshirt and jeans, can be seen armed with what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle. Public school districts in the area canceled classes on Thursday and police urged residents to stay indoors. "A large law enforcement response from multiple surrounding agencies assisted the Lewiston police department in trying to identify who this individual was and what was happening. As you can imagine, this was a very fast-paced, fast-moving, very fluid scene. A very dangerous scene that these guys and girls were going into.18 people are now deceased at this time", said Colonel William Ross. Also read: Who is Robert Card? The 'person of interest' in Maine mass shootings "The investigation into the person responsible for this identified a vehicle located at the Pejepscot boat landing in Lisbon. That person through the registration of that vehicle was identified, that’s been stated earlier, as a Robert Card born in 1983. Several of the deceased have been identified and their families' next of kin have been notified. Approximately eight people at this point have been identified. 10 people, 10 of these victims still need to be identified at this time. Currently, there is an arrest warrant for 8 counts of murder for Mr. Card. The reason it's 8 counts is because 10 people have not yet been identified. As those people are identified the counts will probably go to the total of 18," Ross added. 'Dark day for Maine' Governor Janet Mills, while addressing a press briefing, said that it was a dark day for Maine and that Card is considered armed and dangerous. "This is a dark day for Maine, Card is considered armed and dangerous and police advise that Maine people should not approach him under any circumstances." She further said that the police have issued a Shelter-in-Place order for Lewiston, Lisbon and Bowdoin as the assailant is still at large. "Maine State Police have issued a Shelter in Place order for Lewiston, Lisbon and Bowdoin, as the manhunt for that person of interest, Robert Card of Bowdoin continues. I will let law enforcement speak to the ongoing manhunt and to their investigation," Mills said. “I ask Maine people to join me in offering our comfort to the families and friends who have lost someone, and in offering our prayers for swift recovery for those who are healing in Maine’s hospitals today. I know it's hard for us to think about healing when our hearts are broken. But I want every person in Maine to know that we will heal together," she added. White House and Capitol flags fly at half-staff Flags at the White House and Capitol building flew at half-staff after US President Biden said in an official proclamation that the move was a "mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence" in Lewiston. Biden condemning the incident, said that called on rival Republicans to back a ban on high-powered weapons. Once again, our nation mourns after another senseless and tragic mass shooting. Today, Jill and I pray for the Americans in Maine who’ve lost their lives, those in critical care, and the families, survivors, and community members enduring shock and grief. Here's my statement: pic.twitter.com/7geRYwQ94k — President Biden (@POTUS) October 26, 2023 × "Today, in the wake of yet another tragedy, I urge Republican lawmakers in Congress to fulfil their duty to protect the American people. Work with us to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines," the Democratic president said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Maine mass shooting suspect still at large, Governor Janet Mills calls it 'a dark day'

With an upsurge in violence across the West Bank, the Biden administration has begun to rush its defensive systems into the war-torn region amid fears of broader escalation by Iran and its proxies.&nbsp;

The move by the United States to strengthen its defence capabilities comes after attacks targetting US troops in other parts of the Middle East injured nearly two dozen US personnel since Oct 18.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had also released a statement saying that the recent US deployments to the region were aimed at thwarting the assaults purportedly designed to widen the Israel-Hamas conflict.

"We're concerned about potential escalation. In fact, what we're seeing … is the prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region," Austin told ABC's "This Week" programme. "If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict ... our advice is: don't."

<h2>US military under attack</h2>

Over the past week, American troops stationed in other parts of the Middle East—Iraq and Syria—have come under attacks. There are about 2,500 US troops in Iraq.

Ain al-Asad airbase, which hosts US and other international forces in western Iraq, was targeted by drones and missiles on October 19 evening. Multiple blasts were reportedly heard inside the base.

The attack came after rockets hit another military base hosting US forces near Baghdad’s international airport on Thursday, Iraqi police said.

A day before on Wednesday, US forces in Iraq were targeted in two separate drone attacks, with one causing minor injuries to a small number of troops even though the US military managed to intercept the armed drone.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/almost-50-israeli-hostages-killed-in-raids-says-hamas-armed-wing-651642">'Almost 50' hostages killed in Israel raids, says Hamas armed wing</a>

At the same time, a drone hit US forces in Syria, resulting in minor injuries, while another one was brought down.

The spate of attacks on the US military in the Middle East comes amidst the Israel-Hamas war that has divided the Western nations and the Gulf.

<h2>900 US troops heading to Middle East</h2>

The Pentagon on Thursday said that about 900 additional US troops were either heading to the Middle East or had already arrived there to bolster air defences to protect US personnel amid a surge in attacks in the region.

"As part of our efforts to deter a broader conflict and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities I can confirm that since our initial force posture announcement, approximately 900 troops have subsequently deployed or are in the process of deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. These include forces that have been on 'prepare to deploy' orders and which are deploying from the continental United States," Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General, Patrick Ryder said.

"Deployed and deploying units include a terminal, high altitude area defence battery from Fort Bliss, Texas; Patriot Batteries from Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Patriot and Avenger batteries from Fort Liberty, North Carolina and associated air defence headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-amid-upsurge-in-violence-us-begins-preparing-for-mass-evacuation-if-war-escalates-650898">Israel vs Hamas: Amid upsurge in violence, US begins preparing for mass evacuation if war escalates</a>

Earlier, the Pentagon had announced that Washington is sending an additional squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcon to work alongside an array of capabilities already sent by the United States to the region in recent days in order to further enhance the ability of US forces to defend themselves.

“Our message to any country or group thinking about trying to take advantage of this situation to widen the conflict is: Don't,” warned Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder.

<h2>US sends THAAD, Patriot systems</h2>

The Pentagon said that it was deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and additional Patriot air defence missile system battalions to the Middle East.

In recent weeks, the United States has sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and about 2,000 Marines.

<h2>Biden warns Khamenei&nbsp;</h2>

US President Joe Biden warned Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei against targeting US personnel in a rare message, the White House said on Thursday (Oct 26).

"There was a direct message relayed," White House spokesman John Kirby said at a news briefing, declining to elaborate.

On Wednesday, Biden said that he had warned Iran that the US would respond if its forces were targeted.

"My warning to the ayatollah was that if they continue to move against those troops, we will respond, and he should be prepared. It has nothing to do with Israel," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Iran's state news agency IRNA, citing an unnamed source, stated that Washington had sent Tehran as well as its allies like Lebanese Hezbollah, messages saying that it wasn't seeking to escalate the war, urging them to exercise restraint.

"The United States cannot both send military equipment to the Israeli regime and take charge of managing the war with one hand, while issuing political messages with the other hand, and speak about its opposition to the expansion of the war," IRNA cited the unnamed source as saying, adding Iran's allies "act independently and are not subject to Tehran's orders."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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With an upsurge in violence across the West Bank, the Biden administration has begun to rush its defensive systems into the war-torn region amid fears of broader escalation by Iran and its proxies.

With an upsurge in violence across the West Bank, the Biden administration has begun to rush its defensive systems into the war-torn region amid fears of broader escalation by Iran and its proxies. The move by the United States to strengthen its defence capabilities comes after attacks targetting US troops in other parts of the Middle East injured nearly two dozen US personnel since Oct 18. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had also released a statement saying that the recent US deployments to the region were aimed at thwarting the assaults purportedly designed to widen the Israel-Hamas conflict. "We're concerned about potential escalation. In fact, what we're seeing … is the prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region," Austin told ABC's "This Week" programme. "If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict ... our advice is: don't." US military under attack Over the past week, American troops stationed in other parts of the Middle East—Iraq and Syria—have come under attacks. There are about 2,500 US troops in Iraq. Ain al-Asad airbase, which hosts US and other international forces in western Iraq, was targeted by drones and missiles on October 19 evening. Multiple blasts were reportedly heard inside the base. The attack came after rockets hit another military base hosting US forces near Baghdad’s international airport on Thursday, Iraqi police said. A day before on Wednesday, US forces in Iraq were targeted in two separate drone attacks, with one causing minor injuries to a small number of troops even though the US military managed to intercept the armed drone. Also read: 'Almost 50' hostages killed in Israel raids, says Hamas armed wing At the same time, a drone hit US forces in Syria, resulting in minor injuries, while another one was brought down. The spate of attacks on the US military in the Middle East comes amidst the Israel-Hamas war that has divided the Western nations and the Gulf. 900 US troops heading to Middle East The Pentagon on Thursday said that about 900 additional US troops were either heading to the Middle East or had already arrived there to bolster air defences to protect US personnel amid a surge in attacks in the region. "As part of our efforts to deter a broader conflict and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities I can confirm that since our initial force posture announcement, approximately 900 troops have subsequently deployed or are in the process of deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. These include forces that have been on 'prepare to deploy' orders and which are deploying from the continental United States," Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General, Patrick Ryder said. "Deployed and deploying units include a terminal, high altitude area defence battery from Fort Bliss, Texas; Patriot Batteries from Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Patriot and Avenger batteries from Fort Liberty, North Carolina and associated air defence headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas," he added. Also read: Israel vs Hamas: Amid upsurge in violence, US begins preparing for mass evacuation if war escalates Earlier, the Pentagon had announced that Washington is sending an additional squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcon to work alongside an array of capabilities already sent by the United States to the region in recent days in order to further enhance the ability of US forces to defend themselves. “Our message to any country or group thinking about trying to take advantage of this situation to widen the conflict is: Don't,” warned Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder. US sends THAAD, Patriot systems The Pentagon said that it was deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and additional Patriot air defence missile system battalions to the Middle East. In recent weeks, the United States has sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and about 2,000 Marines. Biden warns Khamenei US President Joe Biden warned Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei against targeting US personnel in a rare message, the White House said on Thursday (Oct 26). "There was a direct message relayed," White House spokesman John Kirby said at a news briefing, declining to elaborate. On Wednesday, Biden said that he had warned Iran that the US would respond if its forces were targeted. "My warning to the ayatollah was that if they continue to move against those troops, we will respond, and he should be prepared. It has nothing to do with Israel," he told reporters. Meanwhile, Iran's state news agency IRNA, citing an unnamed source, stated that Washington had sent Tehran as well as its allies like Lebanese Hezbollah, messages saying that it wasn't seeking to escalate the war, urging them to exercise restraint. "The United States cannot both send military equipment to the Israeli regime and take charge of managing the war with one hand, while issuing political messages with the other hand, and speak about its opposition to the expansion of the war," IRNA cited the unnamed source as saying, adding Iran's allies "act independently and are not subject to Tehran's orders." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Amid fears of escalation, United States intensifies deployment of forces around Israel

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, while speaking at the United Nations, said that Hamas was ready to release civilian hostages but only when 6,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons were released.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to play its part in this very important humanitarian endeavour, along with Qatar and Turkey. Naturally, the release of the 6,000 Palestinian prisoners is another necessity and responsibility of the global community," Amirabdollahian said.

He further warned the United States that if Israel's counter-attacks against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza did not stop, then Washington would "not be spared from this fire."

"I say frankly to the American statesmen, who are now managing the genocide in Palestine, that we do not welcome (an) expansion of the war in the region. But if the genocide in Gaza continues, they will not be spared from this fire," he told a meeting on the Middle East at&nbsp;the 193-member General Assembly.

<h2>Release of hostages needs ceasefire, says Hamas official</h2>

A Hamas official linked the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza to a ceasefire in Israel's counter-attacks on the besieged Palestinian enclave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-amid-fears-of-escalation-united-states-intensifies-deployment-of-forces-around-israel-651727">Also read: Explained | Amid fears of escalation, United States intensifies deployment of forces around Israel</a>

Israel said earlier it is preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza, however, US and Arab countries have urged Tel Aviv to delay the operation amid fears that it could ignite a broader escalation.

As per news agency Reuters, a poll released on Friday (Oct 27), suggested that nearly half of the Israelis wanted defence forces to halt the ground invasion out of fears that at least 224 hostages were reported to be held there.

The Russian newspaper Kommersant quoted a member of a Hamas delegation visiting Moscow as saying that time was needed to locate all those who had been abducted by various Palestinian factions in the Hamas attack on October 7.

"They seized dozens of people, most of them civilians, and we need time to find them in the Gaza Strip and then release them," Abu Hamid said.

He said Hamas, which has freed four hostages so far, had made clear it intended to release "civilian prisoners".

But this required a "calm environment", he said, repeating an assertion that Israeli bombing had already killed 50 of those held.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, while speaking at the United Nations, said that Hamas was ready to release civilian hostages but only when 6,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons were released.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, while speaking at the United Nations, said that Hamas was ready to release civilian hostages but only when 6,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons were released. "The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to play its part in this very important humanitarian endeavour, along with Qatar and Turkey. Naturally, the release of the 6,000 Palestinian prisoners is another necessity and responsibility of the global community," Amirabdollahian said. He further warned the United States that if Israel's counter-attacks against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza did not stop, then Washington would "not be spared from this fire." "I say frankly to the American statesmen, who are now managing the genocide in Palestine, that we do not welcome (an) expansion of the war in the region. But if the genocide in Gaza continues, they will not be spared from this fire," he told a meeting on the Middle East at the 193-member General Assembly. Release of hostages needs ceasefire, says Hamas official A Hamas official linked the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza to a ceasefire in Israel's counter-attacks on the besieged Palestinian enclave. Also read: Explained | Amid fears of escalation, United States intensifies deployment of forces around Israel Israel said earlier it is preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza, however, US and Arab countries have urged Tel Aviv to delay the operation amid fears that it could ignite a broader escalation. As per news agency Reuters, a poll released on Friday (Oct 27), suggested that nearly half of the Israelis wanted defence forces to halt the ground invasion out of fears that at least 224 hostages were reported to be held there. The Russian newspaper Kommersant quoted a member of a Hamas delegation visiting Moscow as saying that time was needed to locate all those who had been abducted by various Palestinian factions in the Hamas attack on October 7. "They seized dozens of people, most of them civilians, and we need time to find them in the Gaza Strip and then release them," Abu Hamid said. He said Hamas, which has freed four hostages so far, had made clear it intended to release "civilian prisoners". But this required a "calm environment", he said, repeating an assertion that Israeli bombing had already killed 50 of those held. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Hamas ready to release civilian hostages but on one condition', says Iran

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Iran on Tuesday (Oct 24) that Washington does not seek a conflict with Tehran, but would act swiftly and decisively if Iran or its proxies attack American personnel anywhere.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Iran on Tuesday (Oct 24) that Washington does not seek a conflict with Tehran, but would act swiftly and decisively if Iran or its proxies attack American personnel anywhere. Addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Blinken said, "The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake: we will defend our people, we will defend our security - swiftly and decisively." His comments came amid international fears that the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas could become a larger conflict, drawing in the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah which is supported by Iran. 'Don't throw fuel on fire' Iran has so far not responded to Blinken's remarks and is due to address the Security Council meeting on the Middle East later in the day. "We call on all member states to send a firm, united message to any state or non-state actor that is considering opening another front in this conflict against Israel or who may target Israel's partners, including the United States: don't. Don't throw fuel on the fire," Blinken said. Also read: Israel-Hamas war | Pentagon sends military advisers to aid Israel He also urged that Palestinian civilians must be protected. "We continue to coordinate closely with Egypt, Israel and partners across the region, as well as with the United Nations, to build mechanisms that will enable sustained humanitarian assistance to flow to civilians in Gaza without benefiting Hamas or any other terrorist group," Blinken added. US military steps up surveillance in Middle East The US has been taking new steps to protect its troops in the Middle East as concerns mount about attacks by Iran-backed groups, the news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday citing officials. Some of these measures include increasing American military patrols, restricting access to base facilities and hiking intelligence collection, including through drone and other surveillance operations, the officials told the news agency. They added that the military was also beefing up monitoring from guard towers on military facilities, hiking security at base access points and increasing operations to counter potential incoming drones, rockets, and missiles. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'US does not seek war with Iran, but...': Blinken warns Tehran

Joe Biden abruptly ended his speech to address an unidentified "issue" that required him to be in the Situation Room. Regarding the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the hostages kidnapped in Israel, Biden was speaking to the nation. I must visit the Situation Room.

US: Democrat Biden still in the lead in New York

The United States of America, the Republican US house of Representatives still has no speaker. Watch our report to know more.

US house speaker crisis: Mike Johnson announced as the fourth nominee

Eleven days after killers from Hamas murdered more than 1,400 Israelis in a series of massacres of stomach-turning brutality and Israel responded with devastating air strikes on Gaza, a senior State Department official resigned over Washington’s decision to send more weapons to Israel, a move he said reflected “blind support for one side.”

The official, Josh Paul, worked for 11 years at the State Department’s Bureau of Political and Military Affairs, which handles arms transfers to foreign countries. He rose to a senior position, that of director of congressional and public affairs.

Paul explained his decision in a two-page letter and the points he made raise questions about the US-Israeli relationship that are rarely asked in a country where sympathy for Israel goes back to its foundation 75 years ago. No major speech on Israel by a US&nbsp;president fails to mention that the US&nbsp;was the first to recognise the new state, just 11 minutes after its formation.

Polls after the outbreak of the Hamas-Israeli wars showed that 80 per cent of Americans were siding with Israel. Whether that level of support is stable remains to be seen as graphic images of the death and damage caused by Israeli air strikes on densely populated Gaza will fill US&nbsp;television screens for days to come.

“The response Israel is taking and with it the American support both for that response and for the status quo of the occupation will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and Palestinian people,” his letter said. “This administration’s response – and much of Congress’s as well – is an impulsive reaction built on confirmation bias, political convenience, intellectual bankruptcy, and bureaucratic inertia.”

Israel’s immediate response to the Hamas attacks, described by Paul as a “monstrosity of monstrosities”, was airstrikes that levelled dozens of buildings and a complete siege of Gaza, cutting off water, electricity, food and fuel. UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it collective punishment.

Strong words in a country where criticism of Israeli policy or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is often conflated with anti-Semitism – as were pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the Middle East, parts of Asia, Europe and the United States condemning Israeli air strikes on Gaza and the country’s occupation of parts of the West Bank.

President Joe Biden flew to Israel 11 days after the October 7 massacre of civilians in villages close to the border with Gaza, pledged America’s support – “Israel, you are not alone. The United States stands with you” – and promised US&nbsp;weapons would continue to give Israel a “qualitative military edge” in the region.&nbsp;

That edge, dubbed QME in military jargon, makes the US-Israeli relationship truly unique. No other country can count on getting the latest and most sophisticated American military hardware and no other country can be secure in the knowledge that deliveries will continue because they are enshrined in US&nbsp;law.&nbsp;

The Congressional Research Service spells it out in detail: “In 2008, Congress enacted legislation (that) defines QME as the ability to counter and defeat any credible conventional military threat from any individual state or possible coalition of states or from non-state actors while sustaining minimal damage and casualties, through the use of superior military means, possessed in sufficient quantity…”

To make sure the requirement for “sufficient quantity” will be met as Israel pounds Gaza with airstrikes and prepares for a ground offensive, Biden has asked Congress for an additional $14.3 billion for Israel. That request is stuck in Congress because Republican Party infighting has left the House of Representatives, which has the power of the purse, without a speaker.&nbsp;

A fact sheet by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, from which Paul resigned last week, notes that maintaining the QME “has helped transform the Israeli Defense Force into one of the world’s most capable and effective militaries and turned the Israeli military industry and technology sector into one of the largest exporters of military capabilities worldwide.”

Still, the United States has provided military aid of more than $3 billion year after year for decades preceding the 2008 legislation. No country has received as much US&nbsp;aid overall as Israel.

The logic of continued aid to a relatively rich and successful country is puzzling but rarely questioned. Not only has Israel turned into the region’s military superpower but it also is the only country in the Middle East with a nuclear arsenal, though this is rarely mentioned in debates about nuclear proliferation. &nbsp;

(Israel does not admit nor deny having nuclear weapons but the Arms Control Association, a widely-respected Washington-based think tank, cites estimates of up to 90 nuclear warheads, with fissile material stockpiles of more than 200.)

Arming Israel to the teeth made sense during the Cold War when Israel served as an American outpost in a region where the Soviet Union had strategic ambitions and close friends.&nbsp;

As then US&nbsp;Secretary of State Alexander Haig put it at the time: “Israel is the largest US&nbsp;(aircraft) carrier that cannot be sunk, does not carry even one U.S. soldier, and is located in a most critical region for US&nbsp;national security.”

It still is. But today’s geopolitics have changed so much that the United States has dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean to protect what Haig had called a stationary carrier and to prevent the Hamas-Israel conflict from spreading through the region.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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Eleven days after killers from Hamas murdered more than 1,400 Israelis in a series of massacres of stomach-turning brutality and Israel responded with devastating air strikes on Gaza, a senior State Department official resigned over Washington’s decision to send more weapons to Israel, a move he said reflected “blind support for one side.

Eleven days after killers from Hamas murdered more than 1,400 Israelis in a series of massacres of stomach-turning brutality and Israel responded with devastating air strikes on Gaza, a senior State Department official resigned over Washington’s decision to send more weapons to Israel, a move he said reflected “blind support for one side.” The official, Josh Paul, worked for 11 years at the State Department’s Bureau of Political and Military Affairs, which handles arms transfers to foreign countries. He rose to a senior position, that of director of congressional and public affairs. Paul explained his decision in a two-page letter and the points he made raise questions about the US-Israeli relationship that are rarely asked in a country where sympathy for Israel goes back to its foundation 75 years ago. No major speech on Israel by a US president fails to mention that the US was the first to recognise the new state, just 11 minutes after its formation. Polls after the outbreak of the Hamas-Israeli wars showed that 80 per cent of Americans were siding with Israel. Whether that level of support is stable remains to be seen as graphic images of the death and damage caused by Israeli air strikes on densely populated Gaza will fill US television screens for days to come. “The response Israel is taking and with it the American support both for that response and for the status quo of the occupation will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and Palestinian people,” his letter said. “This administration’s response – and much of Congress’s as well – is an impulsive reaction built on confirmation bias, political convenience, intellectual bankruptcy, and bureaucratic inertia.” Israel’s immediate response to the Hamas attacks, described by Paul as a “monstrosity of monstrosities”, was airstrikes that levelled dozens of buildings and a complete siege of Gaza, cutting off water, electricity, food and fuel. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it collective punishment. Strong words in a country where criticism of Israeli policy or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is often conflated with anti-Semitism – as were pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the Middle East, parts of Asia, Europe and the United States condemning Israeli air strikes on Gaza and the country’s occupation of parts of the West Bank. President Joe Biden flew to Israel 11 days after the October 7 massacre of civilians in villages close to the border with Gaza, pledged America’s support – “Israel, you are not alone. The United States stands with you” – and promised US weapons would continue to give Israel a “qualitative military edge” in the region. That edge, dubbed QME in military jargon, makes the US-Israeli relationship truly unique. No other country can count on getting the latest and most sophisticated American military hardware and no other country can be secure in the knowledge that deliveries will continue because they are enshrined in US law. The Congressional Research Service spells it out in detail: “In 2008, Congress enacted legislation (that) defines QME as the ability to counter and defeat any credible conventional military threat from any individual state or possible coalition of states or from non-state actors while sustaining minimal damage and casualties, through the use of superior military means, possessed in sufficient quantity…” To make sure the requirement for “sufficient quantity” will be met as Israel pounds Gaza with airstrikes and prepares for a ground offensive, Biden has asked Congress for an additional $14.3 billion for Israel. That request is stuck in Congress because Republican Party infighting has left the House of Representatives, which has the power of the purse, without a speaker. A fact sheet by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, from which Paul resigned last week, notes that maintaining the QME “has helped transform the Israeli Defense Force into one of the world’s most capable and effective militaries and turned the Israeli military industry and technology sector into one of the largest exporters of military capabilities worldwide.” Still, the United States has provided military aid of more than $3 billion year after year for decades preceding the 2008 legislation. No country has received as much US aid overall as Israel. The logic of continued aid to a relatively rich and successful country is puzzling but rarely questioned. Not only has Israel turned into the region’s military superpower but it also is the only country in the Middle East with a nuclear arsenal, though this is rarely mentioned in debates about nuclear proliferation. (Israel does not admit nor deny having nuclear weapons but the Arms Control Association, a widely-respected Washington-based think tank, cites estimates of up to 90 nuclear warheads, with fissile material stockpiles of more than 200.) Arming Israel to the teeth made sense during the Cold War when Israel served as an American outpost in a region where the Soviet Union had strategic ambitions and close friends. As then US Secretary of State Alexander Haig put it at the time: “Israel is the largest US (aircraft) carrier that cannot be sunk, does not carry even one U.S. soldier, and is located in a most critical region for US national security.” It still is. But today’s geopolitics have changed so much that the United States has dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean to protect what Haig had called a stationary carrier and to prevent the Hamas-Israel conflict from spreading through the region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hamas-Israel war: Rare dissent over US arms for Israel raises troubling questions

The United States on Sunday (Oct 22) urged its citizens not to travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to citizens. Issuing a travel advisory, the Department of State said that on Friday, it ordered the departure of eligible family members and non-emergency government personnel from the embassy due to increased security threats against Washington's government personnel and interests.

"US citizens in Iraq face high risks to their safety and security, including the potential for violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-US militias threaten US citizens and international companies throughout Iraq," the advisory said.

"Do not travel near Iraq’s northern borders due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, aerial bombardment, and civil unrest. US citizens should especially avoid areas near armed groups in northern Iraq, which have been targeted with aerial strikes by neighbouring countries’ militaries," it added.&nbsp;

The department said that due to security concerns, US government personnel in Baghdad were instructed not to use the Baghdad International Airport.&nbsp;

"Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the Baghdad Flight Information Region, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended for an additional two years its Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) prohibiting certain flights at altitudes below 32,000 feet," it said.

In case American citizens were planning to travel to Iraq, they should establish their own personal security plan, discuss a plan with loved ones and share important documents, login information, and points of contact with them. Such citizens should also visit the department's website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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The United States on Sunday (Oct 22) urged its citizens not to travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to citizens.

The United States on Sunday (Oct 22) urged its citizens not to travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to citizens. Issuing a travel advisory, the Department of State said that on Friday, it ordered the departure of eligible family members and non-emergency government personnel from the embassy due to increased security threats against Washington's government personnel and interests. "US citizens in Iraq face high risks to their safety and security, including the potential for violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-US militias threaten US citizens and international companies throughout Iraq," the advisory said. "Do not travel near Iraq’s northern borders due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, aerial bombardment, and civil unrest. US citizens should especially avoid areas near armed groups in northern Iraq, which have been targeted with aerial strikes by neighbouring countries’ militaries," it added. The department said that due to security concerns, US government personnel in Baghdad were instructed not to use the Baghdad International Airport. "Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the Baghdad Flight Information Region, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended for an additional two years its Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) prohibiting certain flights at altitudes below 32,000 feet," it said. In case American citizens were planning to travel to Iraq, they should establish their own personal security plan, discuss a plan with loved ones and share important documents, login information, and points of contact with them. Such citizens should also visit the department's website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US orders citizens not to travel to Iraq due to terrorism, armed conflict

A United States judge from Maryland was shot dead in his driveway on Friday. The targeted killing triggered a manhunt for the suspect.

Maryland judge found in his driveway with multiple bullet wounds

Foes for centuries, Russia and its "dear friend" China have begun to find common ground with the Middle East countries that have voiced support for Palestine amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The counter-offensive by Israel has presented&nbsp;an opportunity for both Moscow and Beijing to come up as the champs of the developing world as Washington has fairly and squarely backed its ally Tel Aviv.

Though China has repeatedly called for restraint and a ceasefire, it has also strongly denounced Israel over its bombardment of the besieged Palestinian enclave.

"Israel's actions have gone beyond the scope of self-defence," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said earlier this week, calling on it to stop its "collective punishment" of Gaza residents, Chinese state media reported.

Russia, amid the conflict, has expressed sympathy for the Palestinians while condemning the United States, stating that the upsurge of violence and tensions between Israel and Hamas showed the failure of the United States' Middle-East policy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also stated that Washington sought to monopolise the international efforts aimed at forging peace in the region, further condemning the US for not seeking compromises acceptable to both sides.

"I think that many people will agree with me that this is a vivid example of the failure of United States policy in the Middle East," Putin had told Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani last week.

"The US tried to monopolise the solution (of the crisis between Israel and Palestinians), but, unfortunately, was not concerned with finding compromises acceptable to both sides, but, on the contrary, promoted its own ideas about how it should be done and put both sides under pressure. That's both sides, at one or another," he said.

Both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have strived to strengthen links to the global south, witnessing economic prospects and conceivably a way to negate the diplomatic influence of the United States and its allies. This strategy was on its full display earlier this week as China hosted a summit for Xi's Belt and Road Initiative, which has loaned hundreds of billions of dollars for infrastructure projects across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Putin attended and met Xi for three hours of talks that included "an in-depth exchange of views on the Palestinian-Israeli situation", China said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-asks-congress-for-105-bln-security-package-includes-funds-for-ukraine-and-israel-649351">Biden asks Congress for $105 bln package, including funds for Ukraine, Israel</a>

"China and Russia still see (the crisis) more in terms of the United States than in terms of either Palestine or Israel," said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

"If the United States can effectively rally the world, it's bad for them. If the US and its allies grow increasingly isolated, they see that as good for them."

<h2>China and Russia's support for Palestine</h2>

The way both Moscow and Beijing operate in the Middle East has a lot in common. Russia has been a staunch critic of the United States, however, China has mainly opted to bypass denouncing the US.

This year, China signalled its growing influence in the Middle East when it announced a deal on the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

On the other hand, Russia too has been enhancing its relationship with Iran via its move to back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and supplies of Iranian drones.

Both Moscow and Beijing have strongly voiced support for Palestinians and are critical of what they say is the stigmatisation of them by the United States.&nbsp;

"There's clearly a shared interest in emphasising the negative role of the US in the conflict," news agency Reuters quoted Jean-Loup Samaan, senior research fellow at the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore, as saying.

"And that fits within their broader narrative on the need to build an alternative world order to the US."

Earlier, Putin, accusing the West of not taking into consideration the fundamental interests of Palestinians, had stated that it was necessary to "implement the decisions of the UN Security Council on the creation of an independent sovereign Palestinian state."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also echoed the same sentiment saying that the creation of a Palestinian state was the "most reliable" solution for peace in Israel.&nbsp;

"Creation of a Palestinian state that would live side by side with Israel.. is the most reliable path to solve (the conflict). We cannot agree with those who say that security can only be ensured through a fight with terrorism," he said.

Meanwhile, Chinese media covered the Hamas assault and since then has been carrying reports containing images of Palestinians suffering, with some even citing Palestinian sources as saying Israel was responsible for the violence.

"None of the reality that shocked much of the world on October 7 is in Chinese news. Instead, the news features Israeli bombing of Gaza without explaining that the target is only Hamas infrastructure," Reuters quoted Carice Witte, director of the SIGNAL Group, a Sino-Israel relations think tank based in Tel Aviv as saying.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Foes for centuries, Russia and its "dear friend" China have begun to find common ground with the Middle East countries that have voiced support for Palestine amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Foes for centuries, Russia and its "dear friend" China have begun to find common ground with the Middle East countries that have voiced support for Palestine amid the Israel-Hamas war. The counter-offensive by Israel has presented an opportunity for both Moscow and Beijing to come up as the champs of the developing world as Washington has fairly and squarely backed its ally Tel Aviv. Though China has repeatedly called for restraint and a ceasefire, it has also strongly denounced Israel over its bombardment of the besieged Palestinian enclave. "Israel's actions have gone beyond the scope of self-defence," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said earlier this week, calling on it to stop its "collective punishment" of Gaza residents, Chinese state media reported. Russia, amid the conflict, has expressed sympathy for the Palestinians while condemning the United States, stating that the upsurge of violence and tensions between Israel and Hamas showed the failure of the United States' Middle-East policy. Russian President Vladimir Putin also stated that Washington sought to monopolise the international efforts aimed at forging peace in the region, further condemning the US for not seeking compromises acceptable to both sides. "I think that many people will agree with me that this is a vivid example of the failure of United States policy in the Middle East," Putin had told Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani last week. "The US tried to monopolise the solution (of the crisis between Israel and Palestinians), but, unfortunately, was not concerned with finding compromises acceptable to both sides, but, on the contrary, promoted its own ideas about how it should be done and put both sides under pressure. That's both sides, at one or another," he said. Both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have strived to strengthen links to the global south, witnessing economic prospects and conceivably a way to negate the diplomatic influence of the United States and its allies. This strategy was on its full display earlier this week as China hosted a summit for Xi's Belt and Road Initiative, which has loaned hundreds of billions of dollars for infrastructure projects across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. Putin attended and met Xi for three hours of talks that included "an in-depth exchange of views on the Palestinian-Israeli situation", China said. Also read: Biden asks Congress for $105 bln package, including funds for Ukraine, Israel "China and Russia still see (the crisis) more in terms of the United States than in terms of either Palestine or Israel," said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "If the United States can effectively rally the world, it's bad for them. If the US and its allies grow increasingly isolated, they see that as good for them." China and Russia's support for Palestine The way both Moscow and Beijing operate in the Middle East has a lot in common. Russia has been a staunch critic of the United States, however, China has mainly opted to bypass denouncing the US. This year, China signalled its growing influence in the Middle East when it announced a deal on the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran. On the other hand, Russia too has been enhancing its relationship with Iran via its move to back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and supplies of Iranian drones. Both Moscow and Beijing have strongly voiced support for Palestinians and are critical of what they say is the stigmatisation of them by the United States. "There's clearly a shared interest in emphasising the negative role of the US in the conflict," news agency Reuters quoted Jean-Loup Samaan, senior research fellow at the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore, as saying. "And that fits within their broader narrative on the need to build an alternative world order to the US." Earlier, Putin, accusing the West of not taking into consideration the fundamental interests of Palestinians, had stated that it was necessary to "implement the decisions of the UN Security Council on the creation of an independent sovereign Palestinian state." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also echoed the same sentiment saying that the creation of a Palestinian state was the "most reliable" solution for peace in Israel. "Creation of a Palestinian state that would live side by side with Israel.. is the most reliable path to solve (the conflict). We cannot agree with those who say that security can only be ensured through a fight with terrorism," he said. Meanwhile, Chinese media covered the Hamas assault and since then has been carrying reports containing images of Palestinians suffering, with some even citing Palestinian sources as saying Israel was responsible for the violence. "None of the reality that shocked much of the world on October 7 is in Chinese news. Instead, the news features Israeli bombing of Gaza without explaining that the target is only Hamas infrastructure," Reuters quoted Carice Witte, director of the SIGNAL Group, a Sino-Israel relations think tank based in Tel Aviv as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How Russia and China found common cause in conflict between Israel, Hamas

The United States and Britain on Friday (Oct 20) appealed to India not to push Canada for reducing its diplomatic presence in New Delhi and expressed their concern over the pull out of 41 diplomats by Ottawa amid the ongoing dispute over the killing of Khalistani terrorist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 
 
Canada had alleged that the Indian government was involved in the murder of Nijjar which took place in Vancouver in June. India has&nbsp;refuted the allegations. 
 
"We are concerned by the departure of Canadian diplomats from India, in response to the Indian government's demand of Canada to significantly reduce its diplomatic presence in India," said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. 
 
"Resolving differences requires diplomats on the ground. We have urged the Indian government not to insist upon a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation. We expect India to uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including with respect to privileges and immunities enjoyed by accredited members of Canada's diplomatic mission," the statement added.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parity-not-violation-of-global-norms-india-hits-back-at-canada-says-it-upholds-vienna-convention-649221">&nbsp;'Parity not violation of international norms': India hits back at Canada, says it upholds Vienna Convention</a>

Washington had earlier stated that it took the allegations of Canada seriously and had appealed to India to co-operate with Canada in investigating the killing of Nijjar. The analysts have suggested that the US and the UK do not wish to damage relations with India, which they see as a counterbalance to their rival Asian nation China. 
 
However, the statements released by the US State Department and Britain's Foreign Office on Friday have so far been the most direct criticism made by them over New Delhi on the issue. 
 
"We do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India," stated a spokesperson for Britain's Foreign Office. 
 
Recently, Canada withdrew its 41 diplomats from India after Ottawa was asked by New Delhi to cut down its diplomatic presence following a row over Nijjar's killing. On Friday, Canada stated that it was suspending in-person operations at consulates in various cities of India for some time and said that there could be delays in visa processing. 
 
Citing the Vienna Convention, Britain's Foreign Office said, "The unilateral removal of the privileges and immunities that provide for the safety and security of diplomats is not consistent with the principles or the effective functioning of the Vienna Convention."

<h2>Trudeau says 'India violating Vienna Convention'</h2>

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the decision of India to revoke diplomatic immunity to 41 Canadian diplomats in India was a “violation of the Vienna Convention governing diplomacy” and added that it would impact “millions of Canadians who trace their origins to the Indian subcontinent.”

Watch |&nbsp;Canadian minister dodges direct question on Nijjar killing evidence | WION

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While addressing an event in the town of Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA on Friday (Oct 20), Trudeau stated, “The actions that the Government of India took this week are themselves contrary to international law. The Government of India decided to unilaterally revoke the diplomatic immunity of 40 Canadian diplomats in India. This is a violation of the Vienna Convention governing diplomacy. This is them choosing to contravene a very fundamental principle of international law and diplomacy.” 
 
Further speaking about the Indo-Canadian diaspora, he said, “It also has very real impacts on the millions of people who travel back and forth between India, as students, as family members, for weddings, for businesses, for the growing trade ties between our countries.” 
 
Earlier, the Indian foreign ministry had stated that it had not violated the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. 
 
"The state of our bilateral relations, the much higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa," said the ministry, in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States and Britain on Friday (Oct 20) appealed to India not to push Canada for reducing its diplomatic presence in New Delhi and expressed their concern over the pull out of 41 diplomats by Ottawa amid the ongoing dispute over the killing of Khalistani terrorist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The United States and Britain on Friday (Oct 20) appealed to India not to push Canada for reducing its diplomatic presence in New Delhi and expressed their concern over the pull out of 41 diplomats by Ottawa amid the ongoing dispute over the killing of Khalistani terrorist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada had alleged that the Indian government was involved in the murder of Nijjar which took place in Vancouver in June. India has refuted the allegations. "We are concerned by the departure of Canadian diplomats from India, in response to the Indian government's demand of Canada to significantly reduce its diplomatic presence in India," said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. "Resolving differences requires diplomats on the ground. We have urged the Indian government not to insist upon a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation. We expect India to uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including with respect to privileges and immunities enjoyed by accredited members of Canada's diplomatic mission," the statement added. ALSO READ | 'Parity not violation of international norms': India hits back at Canada, says it upholds Vienna Convention Washington had earlier stated that it took the allegations of Canada seriously and had appealed to India to co-operate with Canada in investigating the killing of Nijjar. The analysts have suggested that the US and the UK do not wish to damage relations with India, which they see as a counterbalance to their rival Asian nation China. However, the statements released by the US State Department and Britain's Foreign Office on Friday have so far been the most direct criticism made by them over New Delhi on the issue. "We do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India," stated a spokesperson for Britain's Foreign Office. Recently, Canada withdrew its 41 diplomats from India after Ottawa was asked by New Delhi to cut down its diplomatic presence following a row over Nijjar's killing. On Friday, Canada stated that it was suspending in-person operations at consulates in various cities of India for some time and said that there could be delays in visa processing. Citing the Vienna Convention, Britain's Foreign Office said, "The unilateral removal of the privileges and immunities that provide for the safety and security of diplomats is not consistent with the principles or the effective functioning of the Vienna Convention." Trudeau says 'India violating Vienna Convention' Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the decision of India to revoke diplomatic immunity to 41 Canadian diplomats in India was a “violation of the Vienna Convention governing diplomacy” and added that it would impact “millions of Canadians who trace their origins to the Indian subcontinent.” Watch | Canadian minister dodges direct question on Nijjar killing evidence | WION While addressing an event in the town of Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA on Friday (Oct 20), Trudeau stated, “The actions that the Government of India took this week are themselves contrary to international law. The Government of India decided to unilaterally revoke the diplomatic immunity of 40 Canadian diplomats in India. This is a violation of the Vienna Convention governing diplomacy. This is them choosing to contravene a very fundamental principle of international law and diplomacy.” Further speaking about the Indo-Canadian diaspora, he said, “It also has very real impacts on the millions of people who travel back and forth between India, as students, as family members, for weddings, for businesses, for the growing trade ties between our countries.” Earlier, the Indian foreign ministry had stated that it had not violated the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. "The state of our bilateral relations, the much higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa," said the ministry, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US, UK support Canada amid row with India over curtailed diplomatic presence

San Francisco police on Thursday released the first official details of the incident wherein a man crashed into the Chinese consulate on October 9. They said that the man had a crossbow and arrows and swung a knife at officers before being shot dead by a police sergeant.

The police, as per a CBS News report, also showed body camera footage from the responding officers.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the body cam footage show?&nbsp;</h2>

Speaking at a virtual town hall on Thursday, San Francisco Police Acting Commander Mark Im said that the man — identified as 31-year-old Zhanyuan Yang — had a crossbow and arrows in his car.&nbsp;

Body cam footage showed Yang covering his face with his left arm after getting pepper sprayed by a security guard.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-crashes-into-chinese-consulate-in-san-francisco-shot-dead-by-police-644822">Man crashes into Chinese consulate in San Francisco, shot dead by police</a>

He had a knife in his right hand, which he used to make "multiple, rapid, downward swinging motions"&nbsp;at responding officer San Francisco Sergeant Troy Carrasco, who was the first to arrive on the scene, and a consulate security guard.

Footage shows Carrasco touching Yang's back and asking the security guard, "Does he have a gun?"

The man then turns towards the officer and the guard and starts swinging the knife. Following this, Carrasco opens fire and shortly after, he can be heard shouting: "You should have told me he had a knife!"

<h2>Why didn't the police de-escalate the situation?</h2>

Responding to a question about the police's apparent lack of attempts to de-escalate the situation, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said he was not going to make any judgements nor guess what the officer was thinking.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-accuses-travis-king-of-desertion-solicitation-of-child-pornography-among-other-charges-649025">US Army accuses Travis King of desertion, solicitation of child pornography, among other charges</a>

However, he said that officers are trained to first stop a threat when confronted with an active threat.

"If we believe that we have an active attacker event, we will do everything possible to stop that threat immediately so we don't have a loss of life," said Scott.

Yang was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Police investigators are still looking into the motive behind this attack. Briefing the press, Scott said: "Why he showed up there, what he was doing, that's still under investigation and there's nothing that we have at this point that I can release."

In a statement released after the car crash, San Francisco's Chinese diplomatic post called the incident "a serious threat to the safety of the staff and people at the scene".

It said that an "unidentified person drove violently into the document hall of the consulate, posing a serious threat to the safety of the staff and people at the scene, and causing serious damage to the facilities and property of the consulate."

(With inputs from agencies)

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San Francisco police on Thursday released the first official details of the incident wherein a man crashed into the Chinese consulate on October 9. They said that the man had a crossbow and arrows and swung a knife at officers before being shot dead by a police sergeant.

San Francisco police on Thursday released the first official details of the incident wherein a man crashed into the Chinese consulate on October 9. They said that the man had a crossbow and arrows and swung a knife at officers before being shot dead by a police sergeant. The police, as per a CBS News report, also showed body camera footage from the responding officers. What did the body cam footage show? Speaking at a virtual town hall on Thursday, San Francisco Police Acting Commander Mark Im said that the man — identified as 31-year-old Zhanyuan Yang — had a crossbow and arrows in his car. Body cam footage showed Yang covering his face with his left arm after getting pepper sprayed by a security guard. Also read | Man crashes into Chinese consulate in San Francisco, shot dead by police He had a knife in his right hand, which he used to make "multiple, rapid, downward swinging motions" at responding officer San Francisco Sergeant Troy Carrasco, who was the first to arrive on the scene, and a consulate security guard. Footage shows Carrasco touching Yang's back and asking the security guard, "Does he have a gun?" The man then turns towards the officer and the guard and starts swinging the knife. Following this, Carrasco opens fire and shortly after, he can be heard shouting: "You should have told me he had a knife!" Why didn't the police de-escalate the situation? Responding to a question about the police's apparent lack of attempts to de-escalate the situation, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said he was not going to make any judgements nor guess what the officer was thinking. Also read | US Army accuses Travis King of desertion, solicitation of child pornography, among other charges However, he said that officers are trained to first stop a threat when confronted with an active threat. "If we believe that we have an active attacker event, we will do everything possible to stop that threat immediately so we don't have a loss of life," said Scott. Yang was taken to the hospital, where he died. Police investigators are still looking into the motive behind this attack. Briefing the press, Scott said: "Why he showed up there, what he was doing, that's still under investigation and there's nothing that we have at this point that I can release." In a statement released after the car crash, San Francisco's Chinese diplomatic post called the incident "a serious threat to the safety of the staff and people at the scene". It said that an "unidentified person drove violently into the document hall of the consulate, posing a serious threat to the safety of the staff and people at the scene, and causing serious damage to the facilities and property of the consulate." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Man who crashed into Chinese consulate had crossbow, arrows and swung knife at officers: San Francisco police

An ancient skin disfiguring infection – leishmaniasis – which is also known by various nicknames across the world like Baghdad boil, Calcutta ulcer and Jericho button, is not something well-known in America. 
 
But Americans are likely to know a lot about this mysterious disease as evidence shows that the parasitic skin infection usually found among international travellers has now turned into an endemic (a situation where the disease is constantly present)&nbsp;in parts of the United States. 
 
The infection has been creeping up mostly in non-travelers in Texas where doctors are needed to report the cases to health authorities. The infection has also been found spreading in southeast Oklahoma and Arizona. 
 
Experts have raised concerns that the huge number of critters which are capable of harbouring and transmitting the infection and climate change are further increasing the spread of disease.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/disease-x-likely-to-prove-20-times-deadlier-compared-to-covid-19-hints-expert-639469">&nbsp;'Disease X' likely to prove 20 times deadlier compared to COVID-19, hints expert</a>

In the genetic testing of 86 locally acquired cases, it was seen that the majority were infected by a Leishmania mexicana parasite's variant that is likely to have originated in the US. 
 
“There have been previous indications of local transmission based on a small number of case reports,” stated Mary Kamb, a medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which carried out the study. 
 
“Now, for the first time, we have a distinct genetic fingerprint from a relatively large cluster, providing further evidence that leishmaniasis may be well-established in some parts of the US,” he added. The results were presented at a scientific meeting held in Chicago on Thursday (Oct 19).

<h2>Sand fly transmitting Leishmaniasis-causing parasites</h2>

Around 70 species of sand fly have been transmitting the Leishmaniasis-causing parasites. The main culprits in the western hemisphere are Lutzomyia insects which are known to feed on blood. They are discovered in different parts of the United States, especially in southern states. 
 
The parasite has been residing in a “reservoir” of animals, which are mostly opossums, armadillos and rodents, which female sandflies feed on. The virus has also infected American cats and dogs, and there has been concern that imported dogs, which were infected abroad, can harbour a life-threatening visceral form of the disease.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: 'Disease X' could be 20 times deadlier than the Wuhan virus

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Cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans has been causing hard-to-heal, ulcerating sores which are the size of a half-dollar or larger and can last six to 12 months. Even though there are medications for treating them, the sores can turn into disfiguring scars if they are left to fester. 
 
In Texas, dermatologists are accustomed to spotting the infection, however, it is not well-recognised in other states. Kamb said that it hampered efforts to understand how widely the parasites have spread.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An ancient skin disfiguring infection – leishmaniasis – which is also known by various nicknames across the world like Baghdad boil, Calcutta ulcer and Jericho button, is not something well-known in America.

An ancient skin disfiguring infection – leishmaniasis – which is also known by various nicknames across the world like Baghdad boil, Calcutta ulcer and Jericho button, is not something well-known in America. But Americans are likely to know a lot about this mysterious disease as evidence shows that the parasitic skin infection usually found among international travellers has now turned into an endemic (a situation where the disease is constantly present) in parts of the United States. The infection has been creeping up mostly in non-travelers in Texas where doctors are needed to report the cases to health authorities. The infection has also been found spreading in southeast Oklahoma and Arizona. Experts have raised concerns that the huge number of critters which are capable of harbouring and transmitting the infection and climate change are further increasing the spread of disease. ALSO READ | 'Disease X' likely to prove 20 times deadlier compared to COVID-19, hints expert In the genetic testing of 86 locally acquired cases, it was seen that the majority were infected by a Leishmania mexicana parasite's variant that is likely to have originated in the US. “There have been previous indications of local transmission based on a small number of case reports,” stated Mary Kamb, a medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which carried out the study. “Now, for the first time, we have a distinct genetic fingerprint from a relatively large cluster, providing further evidence that leishmaniasis may be well-established in some parts of the US,” he added. The results were presented at a scientific meeting held in Chicago on Thursday (Oct 19). Sand fly transmitting Leishmaniasis-causing parasites Around 70 species of sand fly have been transmitting the Leishmaniasis-causing parasites. The main culprits in the western hemisphere are Lutzomyia insects which are known to feed on blood. They are discovered in different parts of the United States, especially in southern states. The parasite has been residing in a “reservoir” of animals, which are mostly opossums, armadillos and rodents, which female sandflies feed on. The virus has also infected American cats and dogs, and there has been concern that imported dogs, which were infected abroad, can harbour a life-threatening visceral form of the disease. WATCH | Gravitas: 'Disease X' could be 20 times deadlier than the Wuhan virus Cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans has been causing hard-to-heal, ulcerating sores which are the size of a half-dollar or larger and can last six to 12 months. Even though there are medications for treating them, the sores can turn into disfiguring scars if they are left to fester. In Texas, dermatologists are accustomed to spotting the infection, however, it is not well-recognised in other states. Kamb said that it hampered efforts to understand how widely the parasites have spread. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US slowly getting caught in proliferating skin-disfiguring infection?

Overwhelmed by record numbers of asylum seekers from around the world, U.S. border officials have released thousands of migrants on streets in the San Diego area the past month, including about 1,400 in the beach town of Oceanside.

Twice a day, Customs and Border Protection vans or buses drop off asylum seekers at the transit center in Oceanside, a city of 172,000 about 50 miles (80 km) north of the border, say humanitarian organizations and volunteers who welcome the migrants and help them reach destinations elsewhere in the U.S.

They are among some 18,500 people released on the street in the San Diego area since Sept. 13, according to local government officials and legal and humanitarian organizations that have been in contact with CBP.

CBP said in a statement to Reuters that when non-governmental organizations that normally receive migrants are over capacity, the Border Patrol coordinates with local governments to identify "alternate safe locations where migrants can conveniently access transportation services or accommodations."

Most of the street releases take place in San Ysidro, the district of San Diego that borders the Mexican city of Tijuana, but they also take place in suburbs such as Oceanside and El Cajon, just east of San Diego.

The arrivals farther from the border show how communities in different parts of the United States can find themselves directly involved in the immigration crisis. Local leaders are clamouring for more federal funds to help absorb the migrants, while the political debate over immigration is certain to intensify ahead of presidential and congressional elections in November 2024.

"California has an overwhelming amount of the homeless crisis. Now we're dealing with the burden of the migrant crisis. Do we displace our homeless? I'm not displacing our homeless. The federal government needs to address this," said Ryan Keim, Oceanside's deputy mayor.

U.S. Representative Mike Levin, a Democrat whose district includes Oceanside, said in an email to constituents the street releases were "deeply concerning" and that he was fighting for more funding to "provide critical relief for our district." He did not respond to an interview request from Reuters.

Last week the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a $3 million plan using available federal money to create a formal service center to receive all migrants released on the street in the county. Once operational, it would replace the makeshift operation cobbled together in the parking lot of a San Ysidro train station.

Oceanside had been operating a makeshift operation out of a city parking garage next to a transit station where the migrants are released. With the county attempting to consolidate services in one location, the city of Oceanside and the nonprofit group leading the effort, Interfaith Community Services, said on Tuesday they are now relocating migrants dropped there to San Ysidro.

The makeshift service centers help orient migrants who often have no idea where they are when they are released. The centers also provide services such as finding temporary shelter and booking airline flights to unite with family and sponsors elsewhere in the U.S.

Last week, about 65 men, largely from the West African country of Guinea, arrived in Oceanside. Each had a manila envelope containing their notice to appear in immigration court at locations around the country. Most were bound for New York City or Columbus, Ohio.

Finally reaching the United States after long, arduous journeys, many of the migrants bypassed offerings of bottled water, fresh fruit and snacks and headed to tables of phone chargers so they could connect with family back home.

U.S. border officers picked up more than 204,000 migrants in the San Diego sector in the 11 months through August, up 27% from the same period of the previous year. Many of the new arrivals are seeking asylum status, which requires they prove they need protection from persecution in their home country. Asylum immigration courts are grantingfewer than 15% of petitions.

<h2>'WE CAN'T HELP YOU'</h2>

When Iranian asylum seeker Hanieh Sadat Siadati arrived on Oct. 8, she said the American border officer dropped her at the Oceanside transit center with the words: "We can't help you, just go."

Siadati, 34, said she faced police repression in Iran for taking part in street protests in which she and other women removed their hijabs. She said she arrived scared and crying after a three-month journey that included a flight from Iran to Brazil and an overland expedition through nine more countries.

Once in Oceanside, volunteers "helped me and I thought, 'I'm saved. Thank God,'" said Siadati, who now volunteers at the center while awaiting her immigration court hearing.

Asylum seekers typically turn themselves in to U.S. officials at the U.S.-Mexican border and are assigned a notice to appear in immigration court. Sometimes border officials will try to coordinate releases with nonprofit agencies that can help them get to their destinations, but with capacity overflowing, they are being released farther afield and in greater numbers.

The releases are now happening multiple times a day, leaving an average of nearly 600 people a day on the streets in the San Diego area, according to the Immigrant Defenders Law Center.

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Overwhelmed by record numbers of asylum seekers from around the world, U.S. border officials have released thousands of migrants on streets in the San Diego area the past month, including about 1,400 in the beach town of Oceanside.

Overwhelmed by record numbers of asylum seekers from around the world, U.S. border officials have released thousands of migrants on streets in the San Diego area the past month, including about 1,400 in the beach town of Oceanside. Twice a day, Customs and Border Protection vans or buses drop off asylum seekers at the transit center in Oceanside, a city of 172,000 about 50 miles (80 km) north of the border, say humanitarian organizations and volunteers who welcome the migrants and help them reach destinations elsewhere in the U.S. They are among some 18,500 people released on the street in the San Diego area since Sept. 13, according to local government officials and legal and humanitarian organizations that have been in contact with CBP. CBP said in a statement to Reuters that when non-governmental organizations that normally receive migrants are over capacity, the Border Patrol coordinates with local governments to identify "alternate safe locations where migrants can conveniently access transportation services or accommodations." Most of the street releases take place in San Ysidro, the district of San Diego that borders the Mexican city of Tijuana, but they also take place in suburbs such as Oceanside and El Cajon, just east of San Diego. The arrivals farther from the border show how communities in different parts of the United States can find themselves directly involved in the immigration crisis. Local leaders are clamouring for more federal funds to help absorb the migrants, while the political debate over immigration is certain to intensify ahead of presidential and congressional elections in November 2024. "California has an overwhelming amount of the homeless crisis. Now we're dealing with the burden of the migrant crisis. Do we displace our homeless? I'm not displacing our homeless. The federal government needs to address this," said Ryan Keim, Oceanside's deputy mayor. U.S. Representative Mike Levin, a Democrat whose district includes Oceanside, said in an email to constituents the street releases were "deeply concerning" and that he was fighting for more funding to "provide critical relief for our district." He did not respond to an interview request from Reuters. Last week the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a $3 million plan using available federal money to create a formal service center to receive all migrants released on the street in the county. Once operational, it would replace the makeshift operation cobbled together in the parking lot of a San Ysidro train station. Oceanside had been operating a makeshift operation out of a city parking garage next to a transit station where the migrants are released. With the county attempting to consolidate services in one location, the city of Oceanside and the nonprofit group leading the effort, Interfaith Community Services, said on Tuesday they are now relocating migrants dropped there to San Ysidro. The makeshift service centers help orient migrants who often have no idea where they are when they are released. The centers also provide services such as finding temporary shelter and booking airline flights to unite with family and sponsors elsewhere in the U.S. Last week, about 65 men, largely from the West African country of Guinea, arrived in Oceanside. Each had a manila envelope containing their notice to appear in immigration court at locations around the country. Most were bound for New York City or Columbus, Ohio. Finally reaching the United States after long, arduous journeys, many of the migrants bypassed offerings of bottled water, fresh fruit and snacks and headed to tables of phone chargers so they could connect with family back home. U.S. border officers picked up more than 204,000 migrants in the San Diego sector in the 11 months through August, up 27% from the same period of the previous year. Many of the new arrivals are seeking asylum status, which requires they prove they need protection from persecution in their home country. Asylum immigration courts are grantingfewer than 15% of petitions. 'WE CAN'T HELP YOU' When Iranian asylum seeker Hanieh Sadat Siadati arrived on Oct. 8, she said the American border officer dropped her at the Oceanside transit center with the words: "We can't help you, just go." Siadati, 34, said she faced police repression in Iran for taking part in street protests in which she and other women removed their hijabs. She said she arrived scared and crying after a three-month journey that included a flight from Iran to Brazil and an overland expedition through nine more countries. Once in Oceanside, volunteers "helped me and I thought, 'I'm saved. Thank God,'" said Siadati, who now volunteers at the center while awaiting her immigration court hearing. Asylum seekers typically turn themselves in to U.S. officials at the U.S.-Mexican border and are assigned a notice to appear in immigration court. Sometimes border officials will try to coordinate releases with nonprofit agencies that can help them get to their destinations, but with capacity overflowing, they are being released farther afield and in greater numbers. The releases are now happening multiple times a day, leaving an average of nearly 600 people a day on the streets in the San Diego area, according to the Immigrant Defenders Law Center. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US releases asylum seekers on the streets, some suburbs bear the burden

United States President Joe Biden, during his visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Oct 18), held an emotional meeting with the Israeli survivors of the Oct 7 rampage by Hamas militants and the first responders who came to their rescue.

Among them was Rachel Edri, a retired grandmother who was held hostage for more than 20 hours by Hamas gunmen and used food and conversations to divert their attention before she was rescued by the Israeli security forces.

As per Israeli media reports, Edri was held hostage along with her husband by heavily armed Hamas militants in her house.

In a conversation with Israel's Channel 12 News, Edri recalled saying to her husband, "If we will die, we will die together".

The couple's son, a police officer, was on the outside, helping the YAMAM counterterrorism force plan a rescue. Aware of the fact, Rachel decided to buy some time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-islamic-jihad-group-blamed-for-gaza-hospital-blast-648529">Explained | What is Islamic Jihad, the group blamed for deadly blast in Gaza hospital</a>

<h2>'The Plan'</h2>

She told the Israeli outlet that when she saw that the Hamas operatives were agitated, she came up with a plan.

"I saw they were angry, and I asked them if they were hungry," she said.

"I made them coffee and gave them cookies. They started singing Lior Narkis (Israeli singer's) songs to me. I distracted them. I knew my son was helping the YAMAM and that they would come to rescue me."

The next few hours were spent waiting, hoping to be rescued. At around midnight, the couple saw the Israeli Defence Forces approaching.

"At 2:30 in the morning, a grenade was suddenly thrown into our house, I jumped on my wife. Shots passed over us - near the head. I don't know how we survived," (translated from Hebrew) he told the news organisation.

After 15 hours of waiting, the couple was rescued. The Hamas operatives were killed by the Israeli special forces during the rescue operation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

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United States President Joe Biden, during his visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Oct 18), held an emotional meeting with the Israeli survivors of the Oct 7 rampage by Hamas militants and the first responders who came to their rescue.

United States President Joe Biden, during his visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Oct 18), held an emotional meeting with the Israeli survivors of the Oct 7 rampage by Hamas militants and the first responders who came to their rescue. Among them was Rachel Edri, a retired grandmother who was held hostage for more than 20 hours by Hamas gunmen and used food and conversations to divert their attention before she was rescued by the Israeli security forces. As per Israeli media reports, Edri was held hostage along with her husband by heavily armed Hamas militants in her house. In a conversation with Israel's Channel 12 News, Edri recalled saying to her husband, "If we will die, we will die together". The couple's son, a police officer, was on the outside, helping the YAMAM counterterrorism force plan a rescue. Aware of the fact, Rachel decided to buy some time. Also read: Explained | What is Islamic Jihad, the group blamed for deadly blast in Gaza hospital 'The Plan' She told the Israeli outlet that when she saw that the Hamas operatives were agitated, she came up with a plan. "I saw they were angry, and I asked them if they were hungry," she said. "I made them coffee and gave them cookies. They started singing Lior Narkis (Israeli singer's) songs to me. I distracted them. I knew my son was helping the YAMAM and that they would come to rescue me." The next few hours were spent waiting, hoping to be rescued. At around midnight, the couple saw the Israeli Defence Forces approaching. "At 2:30 in the morning, a grenade was suddenly thrown into our house, I jumped on my wife. Shots passed over us - near the head. I don't know how we survived," (translated from Hebrew) he told the news organisation. After 15 hours of waiting, the couple was rescued. The Hamas operatives were killed by the Israeli special forces during the rescue operation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Biden meets woman who distracted Hamas gunmen with coffee and cookies, applauds her

ISRO chairman S Somanath on Sunday (Oct 15) said that the experts, who were given the task of developing complex rocket missions in the United States, appealed to India to share space technology with them after seeing the development of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. &nbsp;

Speaking at an event in Rameswaram, he said that the times have changed and India has the capacity to build the best of the best rockets and devices, and this is the reason why Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the space sector to private players.&nbsp;

Somanath was speaking to students during a programme organised by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s Foundation to commemorate the late former president's 92nd birth anniversary.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/less-than-1-iitans-in-isro-iitans-dont-want-to-join-isro-chief-645276">Less than 1% IITians in ISRO, they don't want to join: ISRO Chief Somanath</a>

“Our country is a very powerful nation. You understand that? Our knowledge and intelligence level in the country is one of the best in the world. In Chandrayaan-3, when we designed and developed the spacecraft, we invited experts from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Nasa-JPL, who do all the rockets and most difficult mission," the ISRO chief said.&nbsp;

“About five to six people from Nasa-JPL came (to Isro headquarters) and we explained to them about Chandrayaan-3. That was before the soft landing took place (on August 23). We explained how we designed it and how our engineers made it, and how we are going to land on the Moon’s surface, and they just said, 'no comments. everything is going to be good'," he added. &nbsp;

<h2>'Sell these advanced scientific instruments to the US'</h2>

JPL is a research and development laboratory, which is getting funded by NASA and is being managed by the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) in the US.

“They (US space experts) also said one thing, 'look at the scientific instruments, they are very cheap. Very easy to build and they are advanced. How did you build it? Why don’t you sell this to America,' they were asking," he stated. &nbsp;"So you (students) can understand how times have changed. We are capable of building the best equipment, the best devices, and the best rockets in India. That is why our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the space sector," Somanath added.

WATCH |&nbsp;ISRO Chief attends 74th International Astronautical Congress

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On August 23, India's Chandrayaan-3 lander successfully landed near the south pole of the Moon, which made it the first country in the world to achieve the feat of touching the dark side of the lunar surface and the fourth overall to land on the moon after China, the Soviet Union and the US.

"Now we are telling you people (to) come and build rockets and satellites and make our nation more powerful in space technology. It is not only ISRO, everybody can do it in space. There is one company in Chennai building rockets called Agnikul and another in Hyderabad called Skyroot. At least in India, there are five companies today building rockets and satellites," Somanath further said to the students.

(With inputs from agencies)

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ISRO chairman S Somanath on Sunday (Oct 15) said that the experts, who were given the task of developing complex rocket missions in the United States, appealed to India to share space technology with them after seeing the development of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft.

ISRO chairman S Somanath on Sunday (Oct 15) said that the experts, who were given the task of developing complex rocket missions in the United States, appealed to India to share space technology with them after seeing the development of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. Speaking at an event in Rameswaram, he said that the times have changed and India has the capacity to build the best of the best rockets and devices, and this is the reason why Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the space sector to private players. Somanath was speaking to students during a programme organised by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s Foundation to commemorate the late former president's 92nd birth anniversary. ALSO READ | Less than 1% IITians in ISRO, they don't want to join: ISRO Chief Somanath “Our country is a very powerful nation. You understand that? Our knowledge and intelligence level in the country is one of the best in the world. In Chandrayaan-3, when we designed and developed the spacecraft, we invited experts from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Nasa-JPL, who do all the rockets and most difficult mission," the ISRO chief said. “About five to six people from Nasa-JPL came (to Isro headquarters) and we explained to them about Chandrayaan-3. That was before the soft landing took place (on August 23). We explained how we designed it and how our engineers made it, and how we are going to land on the Moon’s surface, and they just said, 'no comments. everything is going to be good'," he added. 'Sell these advanced scientific instruments to the US' JPL is a research and development laboratory, which is getting funded by NASA and is being managed by the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) in the US. “They (US space experts) also said one thing, 'look at the scientific instruments, they are very cheap. Very easy to build and they are advanced. How did you build it? Why don’t you sell this to America,' they were asking," he stated. "So you (students) can understand how times have changed. We are capable of building the best equipment, the best devices, and the best rockets in India. That is why our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the space sector," Somanath added. WATCH | ISRO Chief attends 74th International Astronautical Congress On August 23, India's Chandrayaan-3 lander successfully landed near the south pole of the Moon, which made it the first country in the world to achieve the feat of touching the dark side of the lunar surface and the fourth overall to land on the moon after China, the Soviet Union and the US. "Now we are telling you people (to) come and build rockets and satellites and make our nation more powerful in space technology. It is not only ISRO, everybody can do it in space. There is one company in Chennai building rockets called Agnikul and another in Hyderabad called Skyroot. At least in India, there are five companies today building rockets and satellites," Somanath further said to the students. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Impressed by Chandrayaan-3, American space experts wanted India to sell its tech to US: ISRO chief

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a solidarity visit to Tel Aviv on Thursday (Oct 12), said that his country will "always" back Israel. He is the most senior US official to visit Israel since a Hamas terror attack on Saturday (Oct 7) that killed nearly 1,300 mostly civilian Israelis led to a sudden war between the two sides. 
 
Blinken, however, added that the Palestinians also have "legitimate aspirations" which do not get represented by Hamas.

"You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself. But as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. We will always be there by your side" said Blinken, during his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. &nbsp;

Blinken's trip came even as Israel's Army continued pounding Hamas after their brutal attack over the weekend. Blinken further confirmed the new death toll for Americans in that attack, stating that at least 25 US citizens were among those killed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-hamas-shares-video-showing-release-of-female-captive-two-children-645818">Hamas shares video showing release of female captive, two children</a>

Earlier, US President Joe Biden extended his unwavering support towards Israel and did not appeal for restraint against Hamas

However, Blinken emphasised the need for a peace settlement between the two - an idea that has been resisted by right-wing Netanyahu for long.&nbsp;

"Anyone who wants peace and justice must condemn Hamas' reign of terror. We know Hamas doesn't represent the Palestinian people, or their legitimate aspirations to live with equal measures of security, freedom, justice opportunity and dignity," Blinken stated.&nbsp;

<h2>I come before you also as a Jew: Blinken</h2>

Talking about his family background, Blinken, who is Jewish, remembered how his grandfather had to flee from anti-Semitic pogroms in Russia and that his stepfather was able to survive Nazi concentration camps.

"I come before you not only as the United States secretary of state but also as a Jew," stated Blinken. &nbsp;

"I also come before you as a husband and father of young children. It's impossible for me to look at the photos of families killed, such as the mother, father and three small children murdered as they sheltered in their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, and not think of my own children," he added.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Hamas used drones for border surveillance

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Blinken further promised that the Congress and the Biden administration would work together to meet Israel's military requests.

"As Israel's defence needs evolve, we will work with Congress to make sure that they're met," he stated.&nbsp;

Speaking in a press conference with Blinken, Netanyahu voiced appreciation for the support extended by the US and stated that Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, needs to be treated like the Islamic State group.

"Just as ISIS was crushed, so too will Hamas be crushed. And Hamas should be treated exactly the way ISIS was treated," Netanyahu stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a solidarity visit to Tel Aviv on Thursday (Oct 12), said that his country will "always" back Israel. He is the most senior US official to visit Israel since a Hamas terror attack on Saturday (Oct 7) that killed nearly 1,300 mostly civilian Israelis led to a sudden war between the two sides.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a solidarity visit to Tel Aviv on Thursday (Oct 12), said that his country will "always" back Israel. He is the most senior US official to visit Israel since a Hamas terror attack on Saturday (Oct 7) that killed nearly 1,300 mostly civilian Israelis led to a sudden war between the two sides. Blinken, however, added that the Palestinians also have "legitimate aspirations" which do not get represented by Hamas. "You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself. But as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. We will always be there by your side" said Blinken, during his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken's trip came even as Israel's Army continued pounding Hamas after their brutal attack over the weekend. Blinken further confirmed the new death toll for Americans in that attack, stating that at least 25 US citizens were among those killed. ALSO READ | Hamas shares video showing release of female captive, two children Earlier, US President Joe Biden extended his unwavering support towards Israel and did not appeal for restraint against Hamas However, Blinken emphasised the need for a peace settlement between the two - an idea that has been resisted by right-wing Netanyahu for long. "Anyone who wants peace and justice must condemn Hamas' reign of terror. We know Hamas doesn't represent the Palestinian people, or their legitimate aspirations to live with equal measures of security, freedom, justice opportunity and dignity," Blinken stated. I come before you also as a Jew: Blinken Talking about his family background, Blinken, who is Jewish, remembered how his grandfather had to flee from anti-Semitic pogroms in Russia and that his stepfather was able to survive Nazi concentration camps. "I come before you not only as the United States secretary of state but also as a Jew," stated Blinken. "I also come before you as a husband and father of young children. It's impossible for me to look at the photos of families killed, such as the mother, father and three small children murdered as they sheltered in their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, and not think of my own children," he added. WATCH | Hamas used drones for border surveillance Blinken further promised that the Congress and the Biden administration would work together to meet Israel's military requests. "As Israel's defence needs evolve, we will work with Congress to make sure that they're met," he stated. Speaking in a press conference with Blinken, Netanyahu voiced appreciation for the support extended by the US and stated that Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, needs to be treated like the Islamic State group. "Just as ISIS was crushed, so too will Hamas be crushed. And Hamas should be treated exactly the way ISIS was treated," Netanyahu stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US will always 'back' Israel, says Secretary of State Blinken to PM Netanyahu on solidarity visit

Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise have become the first two Republicans to join the race to replace Kevin McCarthy, who was voted out as Speaker in an unprecedented move on Tuesday.

US: Republicans complain of rushed process to choose a new speaker

Former US president Donald Trump's politically incorrect language has often made headlines but a worrisome escalation in his provocative verbiage is spurring apprehensions over the possibility of igniting violence among his staunch supporters.&nbsp;

In recent days, the prickly ex-president has indicated that the country's top military officer should be executed.

Critics said that his comments about illegal immigrants were so extreme that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish advocacy group, saw echoes of Nazi rhetoric.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-says-israel-gaza-conflict-an-example-of-us-failure-in-middle-east-645030">Putin says Israel-Gaza conflict 'an example' of US failure in Middle East</a>

"Nobody has any idea where these people are coming from, and we know they come from prisons, we know they come from mental institutions, insane asylums, we know they're terrorists," Trump told conservative news site The National Pulse.

"Nobody has ever seen anything like we're witnessing right now. It is a very sad thing for our country. It's poisoning the blood of our country."

The ADL's Jonathan Greenblatt told&nbsp;MSNBC that Trump appeared to have been fed the line by someone familiar with Hitler's infamous complaint of Jews "causing a blood poisoning of Germany."&nbsp;

<h2>Trump and his exhortations to violence&nbsp;</h2>

At a rally in 2016, Trump suggested that protesters should be "roughed up" and during the 2020 racial protests over the police murder of George Floyd, he said that the looters should be shot.

After losing the 2020 presidential elections, Trump claimed that he was being cheated on after which his angry supporters launched an attack at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.

His recent comments, especially mocking of a hammer attack on the 83-year-old husband of Democratic former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as a call for shoplifters to be shot on sight, has sparked outrage.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Last week, the judge in Trump's civil fraud trial in New York, imposed a gag order after he smeared a court clerk on social media and posted a link to her Instagram account.

Trump has also repeatedly described the attorneys leading the multiple civil and criminal cases he faces as "monster," "deranged" and "psycho." African American legal officials, he says, have been "racist."

His comments about immigration "recall the worst racism of 1930s Germany," added Gerard Filitti, senior counsel at US-based Jewish and pro-Israel advocacy group The Lawfare Project.

"It is troubling that Donald Trump at times appears to use inflammatory rhetoric that injects a measure of divisive ethnonationalism into what would otherwise be straightforward discussions of policy," Filitti told news agency AFP.

"Language like 'poisoning the blood of our country' is cringeworthy at best, and at worst sows doubt among voters as to what Trump's true beliefs are."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former US president Donald Trump's politically incorrect language has often made headlines but a worrisome escalation in his provocative verbiage is spurring apprehensions over the possibility of igniting violence among his staunch supporters.

Former US president Donald Trump's politically incorrect language has often made headlines but a worrisome escalation in his provocative verbiage is spurring apprehensions over the possibility of igniting violence among his staunch supporters. In recent days, the prickly ex-president has indicated that the country's top military officer should be executed. Critics said that his comments about illegal immigrants were so extreme that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish advocacy group, saw echoes of Nazi rhetoric. Also read: Putin says Israel-Gaza conflict 'an example' of US failure in Middle East "Nobody has any idea where these people are coming from, and we know they come from prisons, we know they come from mental institutions, insane asylums, we know they're terrorists," Trump told conservative news site The National Pulse. "Nobody has ever seen anything like we're witnessing right now. It is a very sad thing for our country. It's poisoning the blood of our country." The ADL's Jonathan Greenblatt told MSNBC that Trump appeared to have been fed the line by someone familiar with Hitler's infamous complaint of Jews "causing a blood poisoning of Germany." Trump and his exhortations to violence At a rally in 2016, Trump suggested that protesters should be "roughed up" and during the 2020 racial protests over the police murder of George Floyd, he said that the looters should be shot. After losing the 2020 presidential elections, Trump claimed that he was being cheated on after which his angry supporters launched an attack at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021. His recent comments, especially mocking of a hammer attack on the 83-year-old husband of Democratic former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as a call for shoplifters to be shot on sight, has sparked outrage. Last week, the judge in Trump's civil fraud trial in New York, imposed a gag order after he smeared a court clerk on social media and posted a link to her Instagram account. Trump has also repeatedly described the attorneys leading the multiple civil and criminal cases he faces as "monster," "deranged" and "psycho." African American legal officials, he says, have been "racist." His comments about immigration "recall the worst racism of 1930s Germany," added Gerard Filitti, senior counsel at US-based Jewish and pro-Israel advocacy group The Lawfare Project. "It is troubling that Donald Trump at times appears to use inflammatory rhetoric that injects a measure of divisive ethnonationalism into what would otherwise be straightforward discussions of policy," Filitti told news agency AFP. "Language like 'poisoning the blood of our country' is cringeworthy at best, and at worst sows doubt among voters as to what Trump's true beliefs are." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Donald Trump's politically incorrect language sparks fears of violence

The Titan submersible's remaining debris and presumed human remains were recovered on Tuesday (Oct 10) by the US Coast Guard, months after the submersible suffered a catastrophic implosion while it was on its way to explore the wreckage of Titanic ship.&nbsp;

All five passengers on board the 23,000-pound vessel Titan, which was roughly the size of a minivan, lost their lives shortly after the vessel's contact with its mother ship was disconnected, around 1 hour and 45 minutes after the submarine dived into the North Atlantic Ocean towards the Titanic.&nbsp;

Last week, the marine safety engineers from the Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation recovered the evidence from the North Atlantic Ocean seafloor and “successfully transferred to a US port for cataloguing and analysis,” stated a release from the Coast Guard.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-ships-planes-search-for-missing-titanic-tourist-submersible-what-we-know-so-far-606585">Explained | Ships, planes search for missing Titanic tourist submersible: What we know so far</a>

“Additional presumed human remains were carefully recovered from within Titan’s debris and transported for analysis by US medical professionals,” the release stated.&nbsp;

The salvage mission was a follow-up to initial recovery operations after the implosion of the submersible, stated the Coast Guard.

<h2>Steps of forensic testing to be determined</h2>

The Marine Board of Investigation stated that they have been co-ordinating with the National Transportation Safety Board and other international investigative agencies for scheduling a “joint evidence review” of the debris recovered from the ocean, after which the next steps of forensic testing will be determined.&nbsp;

However, the board will continue interviewing witnesses and analysing evidence “ahead of a public hearing regarding this tragedy,” it said.

The failure of Titan to resurface on June 18 led to a massive international search which captured the attention of the world for days. The officials on June 22 confirmed that the Titan submersible had suffered a “catastrophic implosion.”

The five passengers who lost their lives were identified as OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush; businessman Hamish Harding; diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet; billionaire Shahzada Dawood; and Dawood’s 19-year-old son, Suleman Dawood.

WATCH |&nbsp;Titan submersible's debris recovered with 'presumed' human remain

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Earlier, the Coast Guard said that it had recovered presumed human remains as well as parts of the Titan after locating the debris field which was at a depth of 12,500 feet (3,800 metres).

The officials had offloaded the materials at an unnamed port. The Marine Board of investigation of the Coast Guard has continued its analysis and witness interviews are being conducted ahead of a public hearing on the tragic accident. The vessel's operator OceanGate has since gone out of business. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The Titan submersible's remaining debris and presumed human remains were recovered on Tuesday (Oct 10) by the US Coast Guard, months after the submersible suffered a catastrophic implosion while it was on its way to explore the wreckage of Titanic ship.

The Titan submersible's remaining debris and presumed human remains were recovered on Tuesday (Oct 10) by the US Coast Guard, months after the submersible suffered a catastrophic implosion while it was on its way to explore the wreckage of Titanic ship. All five passengers on board the 23,000-pound vessel Titan, which was roughly the size of a minivan, lost their lives shortly after the vessel's contact with its mother ship was disconnected, around 1 hour and 45 minutes after the submarine dived into the North Atlantic Ocean towards the Titanic. Last week, the marine safety engineers from the Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation recovered the evidence from the North Atlantic Ocean seafloor and “successfully transferred to a US port for cataloguing and analysis,” stated a release from the Coast Guard. ALSO READ | Explained | Ships, planes search for missing Titanic tourist submersible: What we know so far “Additional presumed human remains were carefully recovered from within Titan’s debris and transported for analysis by US medical professionals,” the release stated. The salvage mission was a follow-up to initial recovery operations after the implosion of the submersible, stated the Coast Guard. Steps of forensic testing to be determined The Marine Board of Investigation stated that they have been co-ordinating with the National Transportation Safety Board and other international investigative agencies for scheduling a “joint evidence review” of the debris recovered from the ocean, after which the next steps of forensic testing will be determined. However, the board will continue interviewing witnesses and analysing evidence “ahead of a public hearing regarding this tragedy,” it said. The failure of Titan to resurface on June 18 led to a massive international search which captured the attention of the world for days. The officials on June 22 confirmed that the Titan submersible had suffered a “catastrophic implosion.” The five passengers who lost their lives were identified as OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush; businessman Hamish Harding; diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet; billionaire Shahzada Dawood; and Dawood’s 19-year-old son, Suleman Dawood. WATCH | Titan submersible's debris recovered with 'presumed' human remain Earlier, the Coast Guard said that it had recovered presumed human remains as well as parts of the Titan after locating the debris field which was at a depth of 12,500 feet (3,800 metres). The officials had offloaded the materials at an unnamed port. The Marine Board of investigation of the Coast Guard has continued its analysis and witness interviews are being conducted ahead of a public hearing on the tragic accident. The vessel's operator OceanGate has since gone out of business. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Coast Guard retrieves remaining debris, human remains of Titan submersible

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